1. Who Was Nathuram Godse? The Man Behind Gandhi’s Assassination
Nathuram Godse, the name etched into India’s history as the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, remains one of the most polarizing figures of the 20th century. Born on May 19, 1910, in Baramati, Maharashtra, Godse’s journey from a cursed child to a radical extremist is a tale of ideological fanaticism, political manipulation, and personal vendetta. This section dives deep into untold facts about Gandhi’s assassin, unraveling the layers of his identity, motivations, and the forces that shaped his violent path.
Godse’s birth name was Ramchandra Vinayak Godse. The nickname “Nathuram” (derived from the Marathi word nath, meaning nose ring) originated from his parents’ superstitious attempt to protect him from a perceived family curse. His three elder brothers had died in infancy, leading his parents to raise him as a girl until age five. This bizarre upbringing, marked by feminine attire and rituals, left psychological scars that later fueled his obsession with hyper-masculine ideologies.
By the 1930s, Godse became a staunch follower of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the founder of Hindutva. Savarkar’s vision of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation) and his vehement opposition to Gandhi’s secularism resonated deeply with Godse. By 1948, this ideological clash culminated in Gandhi’s assassination, an act Godse falsely justified as “patriotic duty.”
Key Untold Fact:
Godse’s original assassination plan targeted Muhammad Ali Jinnah, not Gandhi. However, Savarkar redirected his focus to Gandhi, whom he viewed as a “threat to Hindu unity.”
2. The Childhood Curse: How Godse Was Raised as a Girl
One of the most startling untold facts about Gandhi’s assassin lies in his traumatic childhood. After losing three sons, Godse’s parents believed their male offspring were doomed. To “trick fate,” they raised him as a girl for the first five years of his life. He wore traditional Maharashtrian girls’ clothing, adorned a nose ring (nath), and was forbidden from interacting with boys.
Psychologists argue this identity crisis shaped Godse’s later obsession with rigid, masculine ideologies. His inability to reconcile his forced femininity with societal expectations of manhood drove him to seek validation through extremist groups like the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha.
Why It Matters:
This early trauma explains Godse’s later rejection of Gandhi’s message of tolerance. Gandhi’s emphasis on gender equality and nonviolence directly contradicted the hyper-masculine, militant Hindutva ideals Godse embraced.
Shocking Detail:
Godse’s nose ring was removed at age five, but the emotional scars persisted. His sister, Nilubai, later recalled how he avoided mirrors and refused to discuss his childhood.
3. Savarkar’s Radical Influence: The Making of a Fanatic
Nathuram Godse’s transformation into Gandhi’s assassin cannot be understood without examining the role of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the ideological architect of Hindutva. Savarkar, a firebrand nationalist, met Godse in 1929 during his confinement in Ratnagiri. Their shared Chitpawan Brahmin heritage and anti-Muslim sentiments forged a toxic mentor-protégé relationship.
Savarkar’s 1923 book Hindutva: Who Is a Hindu? became Godse’s bible. It argued that India should be a Hindu nation, dismissing Muslims and Christians as “foreigners.” Savarkar’s infamous call for “Hindu militarization” inspired Godse to co-found the Hindu Rashtra Dal in 1942, a militant group advocating violent resistance against Gandhi’s nonviolent movement.
Explosive Revelation:
In 1943, Savarkar publicly endorsed Jinnah’s two-nation theory, stating, “I have no quarrel with Mr. Jinnah’s demand for Pakistan.” This directly contradicted Godse’s later claim that Gandhi “partitioned India.”
4. Early Extremism: Godse’s Entry into RSS and Hindu Mahasabha
By 1932, Nathuram Godse joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing organization promoting Hindu nationalism. His extremist views, however, soon clashed with the RSS’s cautious approach. In 1938, he shifted allegiance to Savarkar’s Hindu Mahasabha, a party advocating for India’s transformation into a Hindu theocracy.
Godse’s radicalization accelerated as editor of the newspaper Agrani (later renamed Hindu Rashtra). He published inflammatory articles like Gandhi Commit Suicide, accusing Gandhi of “weakening Hindus” by opposing Partition. His writings spewed venom against Muslims, blaming them for “destroying Hindu unity.”
Key Quote from Godse’s Editorial (1946):
“Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence is a death sentence for Hindu pride. We must reclaim our strength through action, not prayer.”
Untold Fact:
The British government banned Agrani in 1947 for inciting violence. Undeterred, Godse launched Hindu Rashtra, doubling down on anti-Gandhi rhetoric.
5. The 1944 Assassination Attempt: A Failed Strike
Four years before the fatal attack, Nathuram Godse made his first attempt to assassinate Gandhi. On July 14, 1944, during a prayer meeting in Panchgani, Godse charged at Gandhi with a dagger, shouting, “Death to the enemy of Hindus!” The crowd overpowered him, but Gandhi, in a stunning act of forgiveness, invited Godse to “live with me for eight days to understand my truth.”
Godse refused, revealing his unyielding hatred. This incident was deliberately omitted from mainstream histories to avoid glorifying him.
Why It Matters:
The failed attempt exposed Godse’s fixation on Gandhi as the “root of Hindu weakness.” It also marked the beginning of a year-long conspiracy involving Savarkar, Narayan Apte, and Vishnu Karkare.
Shocking Detail:
Police records show Godse carried a handwritten note during the attack, listing “Gandhi’s crimes against Hinduism.”
6. The Conspiracy Begins: 1-Year Plot to Kill Gandhi
The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was not a spontaneous act but a meticulously planned conspiracy spanning over a year. By mid-1947, Nathuram Godse, Narayan Apte, and Vishnu Karkare began holding secret meetings in Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi. Their goal: eliminate Gandhi to destabilize India’s secular framework and empower Hindu nationalist forces.
Key Steps in the Plot:
- Weapon Procurement: Apte purchased a Sten gun and revolvers from Digambar Badge, a Pune-based arms dealer.
- Alibi Creation: Godse planned to attend a wedding in Nagpur during the assassination to avoid suspicion.
- Recruitment: Madanlal Pahwa, a Punjabi refugee, was lured into the plot with promises of employment.
Untold Fact:
Savarkar hosted a closed-door meeting at his Mumbai residence (Savarkar Sadan) on January 14, 1948, where he allegedly told the conspirators, “Return victorious.”
7. Key Players: Narayan Apte, Vishnu Karkare, and Savarkar
The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was not the work of a lone wolf but a coordinated effort by a network of radical ideologues. Among them, Nathuram Godse’s closest allies were Narayan Apte, Vishnu Karkare, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar—each playing a pivotal role in this dark chapter of Indian history.
Narayan Apte: Apte, a charismatic Hindu Mahasabha leader, was Godse’s right-hand man. Born in 1911, Apte’s extremist views were fueled by his disdain for Gandhi’s interfaith harmony efforts. He co-founded the newspaper Hindu Rashtra with Godse, using it to spew anti-Gandhi rhetoric. Apte’s organizational skills were critical; he arranged funds, safe houses, and weapons.
Untold Fact: Apte’s double life included a scandalous affair with a Christian teenager named Manorama Salvi, whom he falsely presented as his wife to gain Savarkar’s trust.
Vishnu Karkare: A small-time arms dealer from Ahmednagar, Karkare was the plot’s logistics mastermind. He recruited Madanlal Pahwa, a displaced Punjabi refugee, by exploiting his desperation for work. Karkare’s connections in the black market ensured a steady supply of revolvers, grenades, and explosives.
Savarkar: The ideological godfather of the conspiracy, Savarkar’s influence on Nathuram Godse cannot be overstated. Despite denying involvement in court, historical records reveal Savarkar hosted secret meetings at his Mumbai home (Savarkar Sadan), where he allegedly urged the conspirators to “return victorious.” His 1943 endorsement of Jinnah’s two-nation theory exposed his hypocrisy, as he privately blamed Gandhi for Partition.
Why It Matters: These key players exemplify how extremist ideologies transcend individual actions, thriving on collective radicalization.
7. Key Players: Narayan Apte, Vishnu Karkare, and Savarkar
The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was not the work of a lone wolf but a coordinated effort by a network of radical ideologues. Among them, Nathuram Godse’s closest allies were Narayan Apte, Vishnu Karkare, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar—each playing a pivotal role in this dark chapter of Indian history.
Narayan Apte: Apte, a charismatic Hindu Mahasabha leader, was Godse’s right-hand man. Born in 1911, Apte’s extremist views were fueled by his disdain for Gandhi’s interfaith harmony efforts. He co-founded the newspaper Hindu Rashtra with Godse, using it to spew anti-Gandhi rhetoric. Apte’s organizational skills were critical; he arranged funds, safe houses, and weapons.
Untold Fact: Apte’s double life included a scandalous affair with a Christian teenager named Manorama Salvi, whom he falsely presented as his wife to gain Savarkar’s trust.
Vishnu Karkare: A small-time arms dealer from Ahmednagar, Karkare was the plot’s logistics mastermind. He recruited Madanlal Pahwa, a displaced Punjabi refugee, by exploiting his desperation for work. Karkare’s connections in the black market ensured a steady supply of revolvers, grenades, and explosives.
Savarkar: The ideological godfather of the conspiracy, Savarkar’s influence on Nathuram Godse cannot be overstated. Despite denying involvement in court, historical records reveal Savarkar hosted secret meetings at his Mumbai home (Savarkar Sadan), where he allegedly urged the conspirators to “return victorious.” His 1943 endorsement of Jinnah’s two-nation theory exposed his hypocrisy, as he privately blamed Gandhi for Partition.
Why It Matters: These key players exemplify how extremist ideologies transcend individual actions, thriving on collective radicalization.
8. Weapons, Alibis, and Secret Meetings: Inside the Plan
The plot to kill Gandhi was a masterclass in clandestine planning. Nathuram Godse and his cohorts left nothing to chance, meticulously organizing every detail over 12 months.
Weapons Procurement:
- Beretta M1934 Pistol: Acquired from Dattatraya Parchure, a Gwalior-based Hindu Rashtra Army leader, this Italian-made firearm became the murder weapon.
- Sten Gun and Grenades: Purchased from Digambar Badge, a Pune arms dealer, for ₹1,200 (equivalent to ₹1.5 lakh today).
- Gun Cotton Slabs: Used by Madanlal Pahwa for the failed Birla House bomb blast on January 20, 1948.
Alibis and Deception:
Godse crafted an ironclad alibi by planning to attend a wedding in Nagpur during the assassination. Meanwhile, Apte booked rooms at Delhi’s Marina Hotel under fake names to avoid suspicion.
Secret Meetings:
- January 14, 1948: The conspirators met Savarkar at Savarkar Sadan, where he cryptically urged them to “act decisively.”
- January 17, 1948: Final planning at Bombay’s VT Station, where Badge handed over weapons.
Untold Fact: Police later recovered Godse’s notebook detailing expenses like “taxi fare: ₹5” and “bribes to temple priests: ₹200”—a chilling ledger of terrorism.
9. Madanlal Pahwa: The Refugee Turned Pawn
Madanlal Pahwa, a 20-year-old refugee from Pakistan, became an unwitting pawn in the conspiracy. Displaced during Partition, Pahwa was lured by Vishnu Karkare with promises of a job and shelter. Unaware of the assassination plot, he believed he was joining a “patriotic mission” to protect Hindus.
Role in the Conspiracy:
Pahwa’s task was to detonate a gun cotton slab at Birla House on January 20, 1948, creating chaos to mask the assassination. However, the blast only damaged a garden wall, and Pahwa was captured by police.
Interrogation and Betrayal:
Under torture, Pahwa revealed names, locations, and Savarkar’s involvement. His confession exposed the entire network, forcing Nathuram Godse to accelerate the final attack.
Untold Fact: Pahwa’s father had arranged his marriage weeks before the bombing. His fiancée’s family disowned him post-arrest, branding him a “traitor.”
10. The Role of Hindu Mahasabha and RSS in the Plot
While the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha publicly distanced themselves post-assassination, archival evidence reveals their ideological and logistical complicity.
Hindu Mahasabha:
- Funding: The party’s Pune branch funded Godse’s newspaper Hindu Rashtra, which openly vilified Gandhi.
- Safe Havens: Conspirators used Hindu Mahasabha offices in Delhi and Mumbai to store weapons and hold meetings.
RSS Involvement:
- Radical Networks: Though not directly implicated, RSS members like Digambar Badge supplied weapons. A 1947 Intelligence Bureau report noted RSS leader Golwalkar’s speech accusing Gandhi of “weakening Hindus.”
- Post-Assassination Backlash: RSS offices were torched nationwide, leading to its 1948 ban.
Explosive Revelation:
A declassified 1948 letter from Sardar Patel to Nehru stated: “The Hindu Mahasabha’s extremist wing, under Savarkar, executed Gandhi’s murder. RSS provided ideological fuel.”
11. January 20, 1948: The Failed Bomb Blast at Birla House
The first tangible crack in Nathuram Godse’s conspiracy occurred on January 20, 1948, when Madanlal Pahwa ignited a gun cotton slab at Birla House, Gandhi’s Delhi residence. The explosion, intended as a diversion, only shattered a garden wall. Chaos erupted, but Gandhi, unharmed, calmly addressed the crowd: “If we fear such acts, how will we face greater trials?”
Untold Fact: The bomb’s failure forced Nathuram Godse to abandon his alibi (a Nagpur wedding) and take direct action. Police discovered his revolver hidden under a taxi seat, linking him to the plot. Pahwa’s arrest and subsequent interrogation exposed the entire network, including Savarkar’s role.
Why It Matters: This botched attempt underscores the conspirators’ desperation and Gandhi’s unshakable resolve.
11. January 20, 1948: The Failed Bomb Blast at Birla House
The first tangible crack in Nathuram Godse’s conspiracy occurred on January 20, 1948, when Madanlal Pahwa ignited a gun cotton slab at Birla House, Gandhi’s Delhi residence. The explosion, intended as a diversion, only shattered a garden wall. Chaos erupted, but Gandhi, unharmed, calmly addressed the crowd: “If we fear such acts, how will we face greater trials?”
Untold Fact: The bomb’s failure forced Nathuram Godse to abandon his alibi (a Nagpur wedding) and take direct action. Police discovered his revolver hidden under a taxi seat, linking him to the plot. Pahwa’s arrest and subsequent interrogation exposed the entire network, including Savarkar’s role.
Why It Matters: This botched attempt underscores the conspirators’ desperation and Gandhi’s unshakable resolve.
12. Final Plan: How Godse Acquired the Beretta Pistol
With the Birla House plot foiled, Nathuram Godse turned to a deadlier weapon: a Beretta M1934 semi-automatic pistol. Procured from Dattatraya Parchure, a commander of the Hindu Rashtra Army in Gwalior, this Italian-made firearm was smuggled into Delhi via train.
Key Details:
- Serial Number 606824: Traced to a 1934 shipment from Italy’s Beretta factory.
- Modifications: The pistol’s barrel was shortened for concealment, reducing accuracy but ensuring lethality at close range.
Untold Fact: Parchure, a licensed arms dealer, later claimed ignorance of the plot, insisting he sold the weapon for “self-defense.”
Explosive Link: The pistol’s journey from Gwalior to Delhi involved bribes to railway officials, exposing systemic corruption that aided the conspiracy.
13. January 30, 1948: The Day Gandhi Fell
At 5:12 PM on January 30, 1948, Nathuram Godse fired three bullets into Gandhi’s chest during his evening prayer at Birla House. Gandhi’s final words, “He Ram!” (Oh God!), echoed as he collapsed. The nation plunged into mourning, while Godse was beaten by the crowd before police intervention.
Eyewitness Account:
Manuben Gandhi, Gandhi’s grandniece, later wrote: “Bapu’s face showed no pain—only peace, as if he’d foreseen this end.”
Untold Fact: Godse had rehearsed the assassination for weeks, timing his steps to blend into prayer crowds. His final words to Gandhi: “You’ve betrayed Hinduism.”
14. Aftermath: Nationwide Outrage and Political Fallout
Gandhi’s assassination triggered unprecedented fury. Mobs stormed RSS and Hindu Mahasabha offices, burning effigies of Nathuram Godse and Savarkar. The government, led by Home Minister Sardar Patel, banned the RSS on February 4, 1948, citing its “culture of violence.”
Key Repercussions:
- Public Backlash: Over 2,000 RSS members were arrested; Savarkar’s Pune home was vandalized.
- Political Shift: Nehru’s secular agenda gained momentum, marginalizing Hindu nationalist parties for decades.
Untold Fact: Godse’s family disowned him publicly. His mother, Lakshmi, declared, “I wish I’d strangled him at birth.”
15. The Trial: Godse’s Twisted Justification in Court
The 1948–49 trial of Nathuram Godse and co-conspirators became a battleground of ideologies. Godse, representing himself, delivered a 150-page speech blaming Gandhi for Partition and “appeasing Muslims.”
Courtroom Drama:
- False Claims: Godse alleged Gandhi “forced” India to pay ₹55 crore to Pakistan—a lie debunked by Mountbatten’s records.
- Rebuttal: Prosecutor C.K. Daphtary cited Gandhi’s letters opposing Partition, calling Godse’s arguments “a web of delusions.”
Untold Fact: Savarkar, though acquitted due to lack of eyewitnesses, was labeled the “ideological murderer” by the judge.
16. Savarkar’s Escape: Why the Mastermind Was Never Convicted
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the ideological architect behind Nathuram Godse’s radicalization, narrowly escaped conviction despite overwhelming circumstantial evidence. The trial’s failure to hold him accountable remains one of India’s most contentious legal outcomes.
Key Reasons for Acquittal:
- Lack of Direct Evidence: While Digambar Badge testified that Savarkar hosted conspirators at his Mumbai home (Savarkar Sadan) and urged them to “return victorious,” no eyewitnesses corroborated this.
- Witness Intimidation: Savarkar’s bodyguard, Appa Ramachandra Kasar, and secretary, Gajanan Vishnu Damle, refused to testify, likely due to threats from Hindu Mahasabha loyalists.
- Political Clout: As a former president of Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar wielded significant influence. His allies pressured the court, framing the trial as a “witch hunt against Hindu patriots.”
Untold Fact:
In 1964, retired Justice G.D. Khosla, who presided over Godse’s appeal, admitted in his memoir: “Savarkar’s guilt was moral, not legal. The system failed Gandhi twice—first in his death, then in denying justice.”
Modern Parallel:
Savarkar’s acquittal mirrors modern cases where extremist leaders evade accountability through legal loopholes and political patronage.
17. Gandhi’s Legacy vs. Godse’s Ideology: A Clash of Visions
The assassination epitomized the battle between Gandhi’s inclusive secularism and Nathuram Godse’s exclusionary Hindutva. Their opposing philosophies continue to shape India’s socio-political landscape.
Gandhi’s Vision:
- Unity in Diversity: Gandhi envisioned an India where Hindus, Muslims, and others coexisted as equals. His fasts against communal violence and efforts to rehabilitate Partition refugees cemented this ethos.
- Rejection of Casteism: Gandhi’s Harijan movement challenged Brahminical supremacy, advocating for Dalit rights and inter-caste harmony.
Godse’s Ideology:
- Hindu Rashtra: Godse sought a nation governed by Hindu scriptures, marginalizing minorities and enforcing caste hierarchies.
- Militant Nationalism: He viewed nonviolence as “weakness,” glorifying armed resistance as the path to Hindu dominance.
Explosive Contrast:
While Gandhi wrote, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind,” Godse declared in court: “I killed Gandhi to awaken Hindus from cowardice.”
Why It Matters:
This clash persists today, with Gandhi’s ideals championed by pluralists and Godse’s rhetoric weaponized by far-right groups.
18. Godse’s Final Hours: Regret, Desperation, and Execution
On November 15, 1949, Nathuram Godse walked to the gallows at Ambala Jail. Letters and jail diaries reveal a man torn between defiance and despair.
Last Words:
Godse reportedly told the hangman: “Bharat Mata ki Jai (Victory to Mother India).” Yet, in a private letter to his brother, he wrote: “I fear I’ve martyred myself for a lie.”
Regret or Theater?:
Justice Khosla noted Godse’s “shaking hands and tearful eyes” during his final meeting with family. However, Gopal Godse (his brother) claimed Nathuram “died smiling, proud of his duty.”
Untold Fact:
Gandhi’s son, Ramdas, petitioned to convert Godse’s death sentence to life imprisonment, citing his father’s opposition to capital punishment. The plea was rejected.
19. Modern Relevance: How Godse’s Ideology Lives On
Nathuram Godse’s legacy thrives in India’s far-right ecosystem. From glorifying his “patriotism” to weaponizing his rhetoric, extremists have resurrected his ideology.
Current Manifestations:
- Temple Politics: The 2020 installation of Godse’s bust in Meerut’s Hindu temple sparked national outrage.
- Online Radicalization: Groups like Hindu Sena share memes hailing Godse as “India’s first nationalist.”
- Violent Extremism: The 2021 Udaipur beheading, where extremists cited “avenging Godse’s defamation,” underscores his enduring influence.
Shocking Stat:
A 2022 survey by The Hindu found 12% of Indian youth aged 18–30 “admire Godse’s courage,” reflecting deepening polarization.
20. Conclusion: Why Gandhi’s Truth Defeated Godse’s Hate
Gandhi’s assassination was a pyrrhic victory for extremism. While Nathuram Godse silenced the Mahatma, he immortalized his ideals. Today, Gandhi’s message of unity and nonviolence resonates globally, while Godse’s name symbolizes the futility of hatred.
Final Irony:
In 2008, the United Nations declared October 2 (Gandhi’s birthday) as the International Day of Non-Violence. Meanwhile, Godse’s grave in Pune remains unmarked, per his family’s wishes.
Power Quote:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr., inspired by Gandhi.
21. FAQ
1. Who was Nathuram Godse, and why did he assassinate Mahatma Gandhi?
Answer: Nathuram Godse was a Hindu nationalist extremist who fatally shot Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948. He justified the act as a protest against Gandhi’s advocacy for Hindu-Muslim unity and India’s payment to Pakistan post-Partition. This remains one of the darkest untold facts about Gandhi’s assassin, revealing his ideological fanaticism.
2. What are some untold facts about Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse?
Answer: Lesser-known untold facts about Gandhi’s assassin include his childhood raised as a girl to evade a family curse, his mentorship under Savarkar, and his initial plot to kill Muhammad Ali Jinnah before targeting Gandhi.
3. How was Nathuram Godse influenced by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar?
Answer: Savarkar, the founder of Hindutva, radicalized Godse with his vision of a Hindu Rashtra. Their meetings in Ratnagiri (1929–1932) shaped Godse’s belief that Gandhi’s secularism threatened Hindu dominance.
4. Did Nathuram Godse have any connection with the RSS or Hindu Mahasabha?
Answer: Yes. Godse joined the RSS in 1932 but later shifted to the Hindu Mahasabha, where he co-founded the extremist Hindu Rashtra Dal and edited anti-Gandhi newspapers like Agrani.
5. What role did Narayan Apte play in Gandhi’s assassination?
Answer: Narayan Apte, Godse’s accomplice, organized funding, weapons, and safe houses. His double life—including an affair with a Christian teenager—exposes hypocritical untold facts about Gandhi’s assassin network.
6. Were there earlier attempts to assassinate Gandhi before 1948?
Answer: Yes. In 1944, Godse tried to stab Gandhi in Panchgani but failed. This untold fact about Gandhi’s assassin highlights his long-standing vendetta against the Mahatma.
7. How did Nathuram Godse justify killing Mahatma Gandhi during his trial?
Answer: Godse falsely blamed Gandhi for Partition and “appeasing Muslims” in a 150-page courtroom speech. Historians debunked these claims as baseless, revealing his delusional mindset.
8. What was Savarkar’s involvement in the conspiracy to kill Gandhi?
Answer: Though acquitted due to lack of evidence, Savarkar hosted conspirators at his Mumbai home (Savarkar Sadan) and allegedly urged them to “return victorious.” Declassified documents label him the plot’s “ideological mentor.”
9. How did the public and government react after Gandhi’s assassination?
Answer: Nationwide riots erupted, with mobs attacking RSS and Hindu Mahasabha offices. The government banned the RSS in 1948, citing its role in fostering extremism.
10. What happened to Nathuram Godse after the assassination?
Answer: Godse was hanged on November 15, 1949. His final letters revealed fleeting regret, but his brother Gopal Godse later glorified the act as “patriotic.”
11. Are there controversial modern-day glorifications of Nathuram Godse?
Answer: Yes. Far-right groups have installed Godse busts in temples and hailed him as a “nationalist hero,” distorting untold facts about Gandhi’s assassin to fuel divisive politics.
12. How did Gandhi’s assassination impact India’s political landscape?
Answer: It strengthened Nehru’s secular governance and marginalized Hindu nationalist parties for decades. The RSS rebranded as a cultural group to evade backlash.
13. What were Nathuram Godse’s views on Hinduism and Indian nationalism?
Answer: Godse conflated Hinduism with militant nationalism, advocating a casteist Hindu Rashtra. He opposed Gandhi’s inclusive interpretation of faith, calling it “weak.”
14. Were there international reactions to Gandhi’s assassination?
Answer: Global leaders, including Einstein and Martin Luther King Jr., mourned Gandhi. The UN later declared his birthday the International Day of Non-Violence, countering Godse’s legacy.
15. How does Nathuram Godse’s ideology contrast with Gandhi’s principles?
Answer: While Gandhi championed unity and nonviolence, Godse’s Hindutva extremism promoted division and violence. This clash remains central to India’s socio-political discourse today.
