Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, often known as Veer Savarkar, was an influential Indian independence activist, politician, and writer. Born in 1883 in Maharashtra, India, Savarkar played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British rule. He was a prominent advocate for Hindu nationalism and is remembered as a controversial yet important figure in modern Indian history.

Savarkar studied law in London in the early 1900s. It was during this time that he lived at 65 Cromwell Avenue in Highgate, located in the London Borough of Haringey. While in London, Savarkar became involved in revolutionary activities aimed at overthrowing British colonial rule in India. He founded the Free India Society and wrote “The Indian War of Independence,” a book that was banned by British authorities for its strong anti-British sentiment.

In 1910, Savarkar was arrested and sentenced to 50 years in prison for his role in the freedom struggle. He was eventually released in 1924 and continued his political activism in India. Savarkar espoused Hindu nationalist ideals and was a proponent of Hindutva, a form of Hindu cultural nationalism. His views remain controversial, with some seeing him as a patriot who fought for India’s freedom and others criticizing his ideology. Savarkar passed away in 1966 at the age of 83, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to shape political discourse in India to this day.

The Borough of Haringey, where Savarkar once resided, is known for its vibrant cultural diversity. It has been home to various immigrant communities over the years, including Irish, Cypriot, African-Caribbean, and South Asian populations. Today, visitors to Haringey can explore its mix of historic buildings, green spaces like Finsbury Park, and cultural attractions that reflect the area’s rich heritage.