Unified South Asia and Modern Geopolitics: Rethinking the Possibility of Veer Savarkar's Akhand Bharat

आसिंधु सिंधु पर्यन्ता यस्य भारतभूमिका। पितृभू: पुण्यभूश्चैव स वै हिंदुरिति स्मृत:॥

“Akhand Bharat”, once a reality, now a mere concept, reflects to the idea of a Unified India, which includes the contemporary states of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tibet and India. Among the most controversial aspects of Veer Savarkar’s thought is his vision of “Akhand Bharat”, which calls for a political and cultural reunification of the Indian subcontinent, which was divided in 1947.  For many, this dream is not just a nostalgic yearning but a vision of geopolitical power. A united South Asia, they argue, could emerge as a formidable force on the world stage, combining resources, talent, and potential to rival global powers. In this vision, Akhand Bharat is framed not merely as a historical idea, but as a pragmatic response to the challenges of the modern world. But what does this vision entail, and is this even a desirable path for India and its neighbours in the wake of 21^st century?

Veer Savarkar’s idea of Akhand Bharat was deeply intertwined with his larger nationalist ideology, which sought to establish a Hindu nation. In his famous yet politically controversial work, “Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?”, Savarkar puts forward the vision of a Hindu Nation, and for him, this unity transcended political boundaries. Hence, he was always against the division of the country and called the Partition of 1947 as an unfortunate consequence of the colonial rule.

The partition of India led to the creation Pakistan as a separate homeland for Muslims, later followed by the independence of Bangladesh. Both nations have developed distinct national identities, political systems, and foreign policies. Pakistan and Bangladesh have no political or ideological incentive to join such union, and the idea would likely be seen as an existential threat. For them, Akhand Bharat is not a vision of unity but a potential form of Indian hegemony.

However, it is important to note that Veer Savarkar’s vision was also deeply rooted in his interpretation of Hindu identity. For him, the Hindu religion, culture, and civilization were the core features of Indian identity. While he acknowledged the presence of other communities in India, including Islam, he saw them as distinct from the cultural and historical essence of India. This aspect of his ideology has been highly contentious, especially in the context of India’s pluralistic history, where various religious, ethnic, and linguistic communities coexist. But this was an industrial scale lie and a malicious propaganda by political outfits who were the torchbearers of appeasement politics in India; done just to improve the image and public appeal of a certain family by tarnishing the image of subsequent other, casting him as communal.

Akhand Bharat

The reality lies that a Hindu is someone who sees India as their pitribhumi (fatherland) and punyabhumi (Holy Land). Savarkar argued that the land of India is sacred to Hindus, and to him being a Hindu is not limited to practice of Hindu religion alone but puts that anyone who culturally identifies with the heritage and traditions of the Indian subcontinent, which he sees as rooted in Hindu civilization. Also, this cultural unity transcends religious differences, and he acknowledges that other communities, including the Muslims and Christians, the essence lies in shared practices, customs and traditions. But there lies a contradiction that Muslims and Christians have Mecca or Rome, as their holy land. This aspect is misused for petty political gains and invites heavy criticisms from various scholars with different political orientations.

The sustainability of Akhand Bharat would depend on its acceptance in international arena. Countries like China, United States and Russia, which have strategic interests in South Asia, might view such unification as threat to balance of power. Additionally, the neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, which are often included in the Akhand Bharat vision, would resist any attempt to subsume their sovereignty into a larger political entity. Their resistance would likely find backing from global powers seeking to counter balance India’s influence

The economic disparities between the esteemed countries and India are a significant challenge. While India is an emerging global power with fast- growing economy, Pakistan and Bangladesh face their own sets of economic challenges, including poverty, political instability, political leadership, and reliance on foreign aid. Moreover, the differing economic policies, governance styles, and developing priorities of these nations would complicate the process of integration.

This concept of Akhand Bharat once again sparked political controversy in India and its neighboring countries, the debate was reignited by a mural in India’s new Parliament building, inaugurated in May 2023, which depicts an ancient cultural map of Mauryan Empire. Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India emphasized that the depiction was not intended to claim sovereignty over neighboring nations but rather to celebrate shared cultural heritage. Despite the clarification, Pakistan labelled the depiction as “expansionist,” while Nepal and Bangladesh sought explanations from India. Nepalese PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal raised concerns during his official visit to India, which were addressed by Indian authorities.

Rather than focusing on the unattainable dream of reunification, the focus should be on building bridges and fostering dialogues. South Asia’s strength lies not in the forced integration of its diverse nation but in the mutual recognition of each country’s unique identity, while working together on common challenges. The modern world operates on the principles of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and mutual respect for national identities. While the idea of United South Asia has some appeal in terms of economic and political co-operation, it is unlikely to be realized through the vision of Akhand Bharat. Instead, the future of the region lies in fostering peace, understanding, and collaboration between its nations. Regional co-operation through organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) and efforts to improve cross-border trade, security, and cultural exchange could help create a more interconnected and prosperous South Asia. Smaller sub-regional initiatives, such as Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-operation (BIMSTEC), can address specific regional challenges in manageable steps and these collaborations could focus on sectors like trade, energy, transportation, and technology.

The World as it should be..

While Akhand Bharat as concept may evoke emotional and cultural sentiments, the modern realities of the subcontinent call for pragmatic alternatives. Regional co-operation, cultural exchanges, and conflict resolution offer viable paths towards fostering unity and collaboration without undermining the sovereignty or diversity of individual nations. By focusing on shared challenges and opportunities, the vision of a harmonious South Asia can be pursued in a way that respects region’s pluralistic ethos.