INSIDE THE ENEMY CAMP

Savarkar started to write his Autobiography in the 1930s, but British Administrators forbade such writing. He therefore started to write it after the Indian independence in 1947. First part, dealing with his childhood and reviewing the political situation in India from 1857 to 1906, was published in Marathi in 1952.
 
The second part of the autobiography dealing with his work in London (1906-10) was published in Marathi in 1965. It has been translated below into English (by VS Godbole, London). This book should be read in conjunction with another book ‘Newsletters from London sent by Savarkar’.
 
Savarkar shows us how the Indian freedom struggle moved through the following phases.
(1) Prayers, petitions and deputations of the Moderates
(2) Swadeshi or sponsoring of indigenous Indian industries and boycott of
     British goods, by the Militants.
(3) Home Rule movement of Shyamji Krishnavarma
(4) Armed revolution of Savarkar.
 
Savarkar reviews movements of other leaders and tells us how he changed the minds of Indian youth and also of the elder Indians in London. The following are two well-known examples:- 
 
* Mr C D Deshmukh stood first in the ICS examination in 1919. But he was not sure whether he should join the Civil Service or join the Indian freedom struggle. He sought advice of Tilak (father of the Indian unrest), who was in London at that time. Tilak told Deshmukh, " Everyone is not cut out for politics. After independence, we will require capable and experienced administrators. So, do join in the Indian Civil Service."
Deshmukh became Finance Minister in Nehru's cabinet in 1952.
 
* Subhashchandra Bose stood 4th in the ICS examination in 1920. He expressed his anguish; “ I have been getting heaps of congratulations on my standing fourth in the competitive examination. But I cannot say that I am delighted at the prospect of entering the ranks of the ICS. If I have to join this service I shall do so with as much reluctance as I started my study for the ICS examination with. A nice fat income with a good pension in afterlife (i.e. in retirement) – I shall surely get. ….. But after all is service to be the be-all and end-all of my life? The Civil Service can bring one all kinds of worldly comfort but are not these acquisitions made at the expense of one’s soul? “  (Netaji : Collected Works, page 208)
Eventually Bose decided NOT to join the ICS, but to take part in India’s freedom struggle.

[Note - In June 1940, after the Dunkirk episode, Bose called on Savarkar in Bombay and on his advice, he slipped out of India, first to Germany and then to Japan. Bose formed
the Indian National Army and recruited Prisoners of War held by the Japanese. Unfortunately Japan surrendered after atom bombs were dropped on its cities by the U.S in August 1945 and eight days later Bose himself died in a plane crash. But it became clear to the British rulers that the loyalty of the Indian Army could no longer be taken for granted. They had no choice but to leave India.] 
 
Savarkar gives a glimpse of how; numerous unknown individuals had helped in his armed revolutionary movement. One should remember that his scholarship was not sufficient even to cover cost of boarding and lodging in England, let alone for other expenses. He had to seek help from his father-in-law, to make ends meet.
 
Following is the English translation of  Shatruchya Shibirat;
Samagra Savarkar Vangamaya (Complete works of Savarkar) Volume I (Autobiography part I), part 4 –Editor’s Name – Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Place of Publication – Mumbai (Bombay), India, Publisher – Veer Savarkar Prakashan
Date of publication - 1993