The crux of "Savarkar" by Vikram Sampath, which spans two volumes, focuses on the life, ideology, and legacy of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent and polarizing figure in Indian history. The biography provides a detailed account of his contributions to the Indian freedom struggle, his development of the Hindutva ideology, and the controversies surrounding his life.

Key Themes:

1. Revolutionary Beginnings:

• Savarkar's early life, his involvement in revolutionary activities, and his efforts to overthrow British colonial rule.
• His role in forming secret societies and his influence on young revolutionaries during his time in London.

2. Imprisonment and Transformation:

• His arrest and life sentence in the Cellular Jail in Andaman (Kala Pani), where he endured harsh conditions.
• The shift in his ideology during and after his imprisonment, leading to the formulation of Hindutva, a concept of cultural nationalism.

3. Hindutva Ideology:

• Savarkar’s definition of Hindutva, which emphasized a cultural and civilizational identity over a purely religious one.
• His views on Hindu identity, nationalism, and the place of minorities in India, which have been both influential and contentious.

4. Political and Social Contributions:

• His leadership in the Hindu Mahasabha and his opposition to the Indian National Congress's approach to the independence movement.
• His views on partition, secularism, and his role in shaping Hindu nationalist thought.

5. Controversies and Legacy:

• His alleged involvement in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and subsequent acquittal.
• The ongoing debates about his legacy, his role in the freedom struggle, and his ideological impact on contemporary Indian politics.

Crux:

Savarkar's life, as presented in the biography, is a tale of a man driven by a vision of India as a strong, unified, and culturally rooted nation. His ideas, particularly the concept of Hindutva, have left a lasting imprint on Indian political discourse. The biography seeks to provide a balanced view, acknowledging his contributions to the freedom movement while also delving into the controversies and criticisms that have surrounded him.

Vikram Sampath's work aims to present a nuanced understanding of Savarkar, portraying him as a complex figure whose life and ideas continue to evoke strong reactions and debate in India's socio-political landscape.