Vikram Sampath

Vikram Sampath, a historian and author renowned for his biography of V.D. Savarkar, discusses his latest work on Tipu Sultan. He challenges glorified perceptions of Sultan as a freedom fighter by revealing his brutal reign marked by temple destruction and forced conversions. Sampath argues for a nuanced understanding of Tipu's legacy, criticizing the political celebration of Tipu Jayanti. The conversation uncovers the complexities of historical narratives and questions how Tipu's violent actions are interpreted and commemorated today.

Vikram Sampath, a prominent historian and author, dives into the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, revealing the complexities of this polarizing figure in Indian history. He discusses Savarkar's transformation from a young revolutionary to a nationalist icon, the fierce ideological debates of India’s independence movement, and the often-overlooked sacrifices of freedom fighters. The conversation also highlights the evolution of Savarkar's Hindutva ideology and its implications for modern politics, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of India's historical narratives.