Elaborate the salient features of V.D. Savarkar’s Hindu nationalism.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, commonly known as V.D. Savarkar, was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and one of the early proponents of Hindu nationalism in the 20th century. His ideology, often referred to as "Hindutva," sought to assert and protect the cultural and political identity of Hindus in India. The salient features of Savarkar's Hindu nationalism can be elucidated as follows:

1. Cultural Nationalism: Savarkar's Hindu nationalism was deeply rooted in the idea of cultural nationalism, which emphasized the primacy of Hindu culture and civilization in the Indian subcontinent. He argued that India's history, heritage, and identity were fundamentally Hindu, tracing its roots to ancient civilizations and texts such as the Vedas and the Ramayana. Savarkar believed that Hindu culture provided the spiritual and moral foundation for Indian society and should be celebrated and preserved as the essence of Indian identity.

2. Unity of Hindus: Savarkar emphasized the unity of Hindus as a collective community bound together by a common culture, history, and destiny. He called for the consolidation of Hindu society across caste, linguistic, and regional divisions, urging Hindus to unite in defense of their cultural and political interests. Savarkar rejected the notion of caste-based identity and advocated for a pan-Hindu identity based on shared cultural values and aspirations.

3. Assertive Nationalism: Savarkar's Hindu nationalism was characterized by a sense of assertiveness and self-confidence, challenging colonial rule and advocating for Indian independence. He rejected the Gandhian strategy of nonviolent resistance and instead called for a more militant approach to achieving nationalist goals. Savarkar believed in the use of force and political activism to confront colonial oppression and assert Hindu interests in the political sphere.

4. Historical Revisionism: Savarkar sought to reinterpret Indian history from a Hindu nationalist perspective, emphasizing the achievements and contributions of Hindus to Indian civilization. He challenged colonial and Marxist interpretations of Indian history, which he saw as biased and distorted, and sought to reclaim the narrative of Hindu glory and greatness. Savarkar promoted the study of ancient Indian texts and monuments as a means of rediscovering India's true historical heritage.

5. Two-nation Theory: Savarkar is often associated with the formulation of the "Two-nation Theory," which posited that Hindus and Muslims in India constituted two distinct nations with separate cultural and political identities. He argued that the presence of Muslims in India posed a threat to Hindu interests and called for the partition of India along religious lines to ensure the protection of Hindu rights and interests. Savarkar's advocacy of the Two-nation Theory laid the groundwork for the eventual partition of India in 1947.

6. Militarism and National Security: Savarkar emphasized the importance of national security and military preparedness in safeguarding Hindu interests and defending India from external threats. He advocated for the establishment of a strong and assertive Indian state capable of protecting Hindu interests and projecting power on the world stage. Savarkar's emphasis on militarism and national security reflected his belief in the need for a strong and self-reliant India capable of asserting itself in the face of external challenges.

In conclusion, V.D. Savarkar's Hindu nationalism represented a distinctive and influential ideological framework that sought to assert and protect the cultural and political identity of Hindus in India. His ideology, characterized by cultural nationalism, unity of Hindus, assertive nationalism, historical revisionism, the Two-nation Theory, and emphasis on militarism and national security, continues to shape debates about Indian identity, politics, and society in the 21st century.