Arun Shourie’s The New Icon: Savarkar and the Facts critically examines the life, legacy, and contradictions of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The book raises key questions about Savarkar’s evolving political stance, his relationship with Mahatma Gandhi, and his role in India’s independence movement. Shourie scrutinizes widely accepted narratives about Savarkar’s escape from the SS Morena, his multiple mercy petitions to the British, and his stance during the Quit India Movement. The book challenges the portrayal of Savarkar as a revolutionary icon, questioning whether his ideological shifts were acts of pragmatism or compromises.
Using extensive archival research, including British intelligence reports, Savarkar’s writings, and contemporary records, Shourie methodically unpacks myths surrounding his contributions. The New Icon also contrasts Savarkar’s views with those of Nehru, Jinnah, Gandhi, and Bose, exploring their similarities and ideological differences. The book further highlights Savarkar’s perspectives on Hinduism, Hindutva, and nationalism, shedding light on how his ideas have been interpreted and reinterpreted over time.
Beyond its analysis of Savarkar, the book subtly critiques the current political climate, questioning the BJP’s governance and its use of Savarkar’s legacy. Shourie’s shift from his earlier right-leaning views to a more critical position makes this book a significant and thought-provoking read. Whether one views Savarkar as a nationalist hero or a controversial figure, The New Icon presents a well-researched, nuanced perspective that challenges both uncritical admiration and outright dismissal.
Availability & Details of Book
The New Icon: Savarkar and the Facts by Arun Shourie is published by Penguin and will be available from January 30, 2025. Arun Shourie critically examines Savarkar’s life, political shifts, and legacy using extensive historical research. The book is in English and spans 560 pages in hardcover. It is available for purchase in both Kindle (₹314) and hardcover (₹725) formats. Readers can buy it from major online retailers such as Amazon, Flipkart, and bookstores. The Kindle version offers a more affordable and convenient option for on-the-go reading.
Themes Explored in The New Icon: Savarkar and the Facts
The book probes into various aspects of Savarkar’s life, including his escape from the SS Morena, his interactions with prominent leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi, and his petitions to the British during his imprisonment.
- Reevaluating the Marseilles Escape: In The New Icon, Shourie scrutinizes the widely celebrated narrative of Savarkar’s escape at Marseilles. Contrary to popular belief, the escape was less dramatic than often portrayed. Savarkar requested to use the lavatory, jumped into the water just 10-12 feet from the shore, and was apprehended shortly after by Indian policemen. This account challenges the myth of a heroic escape, suggesting that the event was less about battling stormy seas and more about a brief, unsuccessful attempt at freedom.
- Questioning Associations with Bose and Gandhi: Shourie also addresses Savarkar’s claimed associations with leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi. The book reveals that Bose viewed Savarkar as being out of touch with global affairs, focusing more on Hindu military training within the British Army. Additionally, Shourie exposes the idea that Savarkar played a key role in Bose’s escape or in the formation of the Indian National Army. Regarding Gandhi, the book examines claims of their friendship and interactions, providing evidence that challenges these assertions.
- Analyzing Mercy Petitions and Rationalist Views: A significant portion of The New Icon is dedicated to analysing Savarkar’s mercy petitions to the British during his imprisonment. Shourie highlights that Savarkar filed multiple petitions, pledging loyalty to the British government, which contradicts the image of him as an uncompromising revolutionary. The book also delves into Savarkar’s rationalist views, particularly his critiques of elevating the cow to a divine status, urging that it should be seen as a useful animal rather than a sacred entity.
- A Shift in Shourie’s Perspective: In The New Icon, Arun Shourie takes a surprising turn from his earlier right-wing stance. The book reflects his transformation into a more critical observer of the Hindutva movement. His plea on the last page, urging readers to “save Hinduism from Hindutva,” highlights his concern about the current political situation. This shift has intrigued both his critics and long-time followers.
- Savarkar’s Changing Views: A key question in The New Iconis whether Savarkar’s changing views were a sign of adaptability or inconsistency. Shourie examines whether Savarkar’s ideological shifts were strategic or if they revealed a deeper contradiction in his beliefs. The book raises the debate on whether evolving political stances should be seen as moral failings or as necessary adjustments to circumstances.
- Savarkar’s Role Beyond Congress Politics: The book questions whether Savarkar’s marginalization was due to his ideology or simply because he was not a part of the Congress Party. Shourie explores whether Savarkar should be compared to figures like Nehru and Jinnah in their respective movements or if he was an ideologue like Gandhi and Bose. This theme forces readers to reassess how history has framed Savarkar’s contributions.
- The Portrayal of Savarkar’s Imprisonment: Shourie’s account of Savarkar’s time in the Andaman Cellular Jail challenges the conventional narrative. Instead of glorifying his suffering, The New Icon suggests that his imprisonment, while harsh, did not define his legacy. It examines how his resentment towards Afghan and Pathan guards shaped his later views while contrasting this with his softer approach toward his Irish jailer.
- A Book for Neither Zealots nor Abusers: Shourie’s writing does not fully satisfy either staunch supporters or harsh critics of Savarkar. While the book challenges myths, its tone sometimes lacks clear direction. At times, the critique of Savarkar seems excessive, and at others, it exposes unexpected similarities between Nehru and Savarkar. The book neither outright condemns Savarkar nor glorifies him, making it an unsettling yet thought-provoking read.
- Critique of BJP’s Governance: While The New Iconprimarily focuses on Savarkar, Shourie subtly critiques the BJP’s governance. He touches on issues like economic mismanagement, caste-based politics, corporate favouritism, and the rise of religious tourism. Although these topics are not the book’s main focus, Shourie hints at how Savarkar’s ideology has been reshaped to serve modern political narratives.
Through its analysis, The New Icon challenges both supporters and critics of Savarkar to rethink their assumptions. The book stands as an alternative perspective against hagiographies and blind criticism, making it a must-read for those interested in India’s complex political history.
Excerpts from Book
- A Sharp Critique: Shourie’s Wit and Rationalism Challenge Blind Faith, Outdated Traditions, and Meaningless Rituals
From the Shankaracharya’s naïve prescription of cow’s milk for world peace to sadhus wasting resources on meaningless rituals, he exposes the absurdity of rituals posing as solutions. Why chant mantras to stop a plague when science has already given us vaccines? Why crawl in devotion when the same God gave you legs to stand tall?
These lines reflect Arun Shourie’s sharp critique of blind faith and outdated rituals. He questions practices like chanting to stop plagues when vaccines exist and challenges devotion that undermines reason and self-respect. The passage urges a rational approach over meaningless traditions.
- Is Savarkar being resurrected today to erase the one great inconvenience—Gandhiji?
This line questions whether the growing emphasis on Savarkar’s legacy is an attempt to overshadow or diminish Mahatma Gandhi’s influence in Indian history. It implies that Savarkar’s image is being revived for political or ideological reasons, possibly to challenge or counter Gandhi’s ideals. The phrase “one great inconvenience” suggests that Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and inclusivity might be at odds with certain contemporary narratives, making his legacy inconvenient for some.
- Have our people been suffused with Hindutva as Savarkar maintained?
This line questions whether Savarkar’s vision of Hindutva has truly shaped Indian society as he claimed. It challenges the extent to which his ideology has influenced the nation’s cultural and political identity, prompting reflection on its impact and acceptance.
- What did Savarkar think of Hinduism, about our beliefs, ‘holy cows’ and the texts Hindus hold to be sacred?
This line explores Savarkar’s views on Hinduism, questioning his stance on religious beliefs, sacred texts, and the symbolic importance of cows. It suggests a deeper look into how he interpreted Hindu traditions as whether he saw them as rigid doctrines or approached them with a rational and reformist mindset.
Why Read and Buy The New Icon
Arun Shourie critically analyzes Savarkar’s legacy, questioning myths, political narratives, and his evolving ideology. Backed by extensive research from historical records, British archives, and Savarkar’s own writings, the book offers a fact-based perspective. Shourie’s sharp and engaging writing makes complex historical discussions accessible and thought-provoking. It challenges both glorification and criticism, helping readers form their own conclusions. As debates around Savarkar’s legacy continue, this book provides crucial insights into his influence on modern India. Anyone interested in Indian history, politics, and Savarkar’s legacy should read The New Icon for a well-researched, critical perspective.
Final Thoughts
Arun Shourie’s The New Icon is a deeply researched and thought-provoking examination of Savarkar’s life, ideology, and political influence. Neither a blind critique nor a glorification, it challenges prevailing narratives with sharp analysis and historical evidence. For those seeking an unbiased perspective on one of India’s most debated figures, this book is an essential read.
