Introduction: The Legend of Veer Savarkar
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a fierce revolutionary and ideologue of Hindutva, remains a polarizing figure in Indian history. While many hail him as a patriot and visionary, others critique his later political stance. One of the most fascinating yet less-discussed episodes of his life was his daring escape attempt from a British prison ship in France.
This event, which involved high-level diplomatic maneuvers between Britain and France, even reached The Hague’s International Court of Justice. The story of Savarkar’s capture and eventual deportation back to India remains one of the most intriguing incidents in the history of India’s freedom struggle.
Savarkar’s Rising Influence and Arrest
By 1909, Savarkar had become a major thorn in the British administration’s side. The murder of British official Curzon Wyllie by Madan Lal Dhingra, a frequent visitor to Savarkar’s India House in London, placed him under intense scrutiny. Though no direct link was established between him and the assassination, the British were convinced that Savarkar was fueling revolutionary activities.
The situation worsened when his involvement was suspected in the Nasik Conspiracy Case, where British Collector Arthur Jackson was assassinated. Sensing imminent arrest, Savarkar fled to Paris but was eventually captured upon his return to London in March 1910. Instead of trying him in Britain, the authorities decided to deport him to India for prosecution.
The Escape Attempt: A Daring Bid for Freedom
On July 1, 1910, the British vessel S.S. Morea left Tilbury, England, bound for India. Savarkar was onboard under tight security, accompanied by two British officers (C.J. Power and Edward Parker) and two Indian constables. They took extreme precautions, keeping a constant watch over him.
- His cabin was locked at night, and guards ensured he was never alone.
- Even during bathroom breaks, guards kept the door slightly open to prevent any escape.
Despite these strict measures, Savarkar had a plan.
On July 8, 1910, as the ship docked at Marseilles, France, Savarkar saw an opportunity. He asked to use the lavatory, and when the guards momentarily let their guard down, he squeezed through a small porthole and jumped into the sea.
- He swam toward the French shore and ran barefoot, hoping to reach a safe location where he could seek asylum.
- British guards fired shots but missed him.
- He ran about 200 meters, calling out to nearby French officials: “Arrest me! Take me to a magistrate!”
Savarkar’s logic was clear—since he was now on French soil, he should fall under French jurisdiction and could apply for political asylum. Unfortunately for him, the French officer present did not understand English and handed him back to the British authorities.
International Controversy: Britain vs. France
Savarkar’s dramatic escape attempt quickly became a diplomatic scandal. The French press furiously criticized their government, arguing that France had violated its sovereignty by allowing the British to reclaim him. Prominent newspapers like Le Monde, Le Matin, and Le Temps called it a “national disgrace”.
The matter escalated to The Hague’s International Court, where France demanded that Savarkar be returned to its custody. However, after prolonged legal arguments, the court ruled in Britain’s favor.
Back to India: The Harsh Reality of ‘Kala Pani’
- On July 22, 1910, Savarkar arrived in Mumbai in chains.
- He was sentenced to two consecutive 25-year terms in the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Kala Pani).
- This meant 50 years of rigorous imprisonment, effectively a life sentence.
Savarkar’s time in Kala Pani was brutal. He faced solitary confinement, inhumane treatment, and forced labor, yet he continued writing and inspiring future revolutionaries.
The Significance of Savarkar’s Escape Attempt
Savarkar’s failed but courageous escape remains one of the most daring episodes in India’s fight for independence. It exposed:
- The growing fear among British authorities about revolutionary activities.
- The diplomatic tension between Britain and France over colonial prisoners.
- Savarkar’s relentless determination, which made him a symbol of resistance even after his capture.
Despite his eventual release in 1924 under strict conditions, Savarkar’s legacy remains complex. His contributions to India’s independence movement are undeniable, though his later political ideologies continue to spark debate.
Conclusion: A Revolutionary’s Unfinished Battle
Savarkar’s attempted escape from British custody was not just a personal bid for freedom but a bold statement against colonial oppression. It proved that India’s revolutionaries were willing to go to any lengths for independence.
While history debates his later role, his daring acts against the British remain etched in the annals of India’s struggle for freedom.
Do you think Savarkar’s escape attempt was a heroic act of resistance or just a desperate move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Tags: Veer Savarkar, Indian Freedom Struggle, British Colonial Rule, Escape Attempt, Political Prisoners, Indian Revolutionaries, Hindutva, French Connection, History of Independence, India’s Freedom Fighters
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