What Was The Role Of Hindu Mahasabha In Indian Independence Movement?

The Hindu Mahasabha was a political party that played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. It was founded in 1915 by Madan Mohan Malaviya and other Hindu leaders who wanted to protect the rights and interests of the Hindu community in India.

The Hindu Mahasabha had different views and strategies from the Indian National Congress, which was the main party leading the freedom struggle. Here are some of the main aspects of its role in the independence movement:

• The Hindu Mahasabha advocated for a Hindu nationalist ideology, which was based on the concept of Hindutva or “Hinduness”. This ideology was developed by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who became the president of the Hindu Mahasabha in 1937. He argued that India was a Hindu nation and that Hindus should unite and resist the foreign influences of Islam and Christianity. He also opposed the idea of a secular and democratic India, and favored a Hindu Rashtra or a Hindu state.
• The Hindu Mahasabha did not unconditionally support the Indian independence movement against British rule in India. It often criticized and opposed the non-violent and constitutional methods used by the Congress, such as civil disobedience, satyagraha, and negotiations. It also rejected the proposals for a federal system of government and a common electorate for all communities in India. The Hindu Mahasabha preferred to use violent and revolutionary methods to achieve independence, such as assassinations, bombings, raids, and guerrilla warfare. It also supported the British war effort during World War II, hoping to gain their favor and recognition for a Hindu state.
• The Hindu Mahasabha demanded a separate state for Hindus in India, and opposed the partition of India on religious grounds. It feared that the creation of Pakistan would reduce the Hindu majority and influence in India, and endanger the security and interests of Hindus living in Muslim-majority areas. It also claimed that Pakistan was an artificial and unnatural entity, and that India was an indivisible and ancient land of Hindus. The Hindu Mahasabha tried to prevent or reverse the partition by various means, such as appealing to the British, mobilizing public opinion, forming alliances with other parties, and launching armed attacks on Pakistan.

The Hindu Mahasabha’s role in the Indian independence movement was controversial and influential. It shaped the political and social landscape of India and Pakistan, and had a lasting impact on their relations. It also inspired many other Hindu nationalist movements and parties in India, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

I hope this answer has given you some information about the role of Hindu Mahasabha in the Indian independence movement. If you want to know more, you can check out these sources: Hindu Mahasabha | All-India Hindu Grand Assembly, an article by Britannica; Hindu Mahasabha – Wikipedia, an article by Wikipedia; Revolutionary movement for Indian independence, an article by Wikipedia; [Partition of India], an article by Wikipedia.

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