Explain V.D. Savarkar on Hindu nation and Indian state.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883-1966) was a prominent Indian nationalist, freedom fighter, and political philosopher who played a significant role in shaping Hindu nationalist ideology. His views on the concept of a Hindu nation and the Indian state are essential to understanding his vision for India's future.

Savarkar envisioned India as a Hindu Rashtra (nation), where Hindu identity and culture would form the foundation of the nation-state. He believed that Hindus, as the majority community in India, should assert their cultural and political dominance to establish a strong and unified nation. Savarkar emphasized the cultural unity of Hindus as a defining characteristic of Indian nationalism.

According to Savarkar, the Indian state should prioritize the interests and aspirations of Hindus while ensuring equal rights and protections for religious minorities. He advocated for a secular state that recognized and respected the diversity of religious beliefs in India but maintained the cultural and political dominance of the Hindu majority.

Savarkar's concept of a Hindu nation was not merely religious but encompassed a broader cultural and civilizational identity rooted in India's ancient heritage. He believed that a Hindu Rashtra would provide a secure and prosperous future for all its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations, based on a shared commitment to national unity and development.

However, it's essential to note that Savarkar's ideas on the Hindu nation and the Indian state have been controversial and subject to criticism. Critics argue that his vision of Hindu nationalism could potentially marginalize religious minorities and undermine India's secular and pluralistic ethos. Despite these controversies, Savarkar's writings and ideology continue to influence Hindu nationalist discourse in contemporary India.