Nathuram Godse: 10 Shocking Untold Facts About Gandhi’s Assassin Revealed!
Discover the untold story of Nathuram Godse, the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. Uncover shocking truths, conspiracy details, and historical secrets in this deep dive.
Nathuram Godse: The Untold Story Behind Gandhi’s Assassination
Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948, remains one of India’s most tragic and controversial historical events. While the world knows Nathuram Godse as the man who pulled the trigger, the chilling conspiracy, ideological conflicts, and shocking truths behind this crime are often overlooked. In this explosive exposé, we unravel 10 untold facts about Nathuram Godse, the radical plot to kill Gandhi, and the forces that fueled this dark chapter in Indian history.
1. The Curse That Shaped Nathuram Godse’s Childhood
Nathuram Godse was born into a family haunted by tragedy. His parents believed their male children were cursed—three sons had died in infancy. To protect him, they raised Godse as a girl until he was five. He wore a nath (nose ring), dressed in feminine attire, and was treated as a daughter. This bizarre upbringing sowed seeds of identity conflict, later exploited by extremist ideologies.
2. Savarkar’s Radical Influence on Godse
Godse’s transformation from a failed student to a fanatic began in 1929 when he met Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in Ratnagiri. Savarkar, a firebrand Hindu nationalist, groomed Godse into embracing Hindutva extremism. By 1932, Godse joined the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha, organizations advocating for a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation).
Key Fact: Savarkar’s infamous call for “Hindu militarization” became Godse’s mantra, fueling his hatred for Gandhi’s secular vision.
3. The 1944 Assassination Attempt: A Dress Rehearsal
Four years before the fatal attack, Godse attempted to stab Gandhi during a prayer meeting in Panchgani. Armed with a knife, he was overpowered by the crowd. Shockingly, Gandhi invited Godse to “live with him for eight days” to resolve differences. Godse refused, foreshadowing his unyielding fanaticism.
4. The Conspiracy: A 1-Year Plot Involving Top Extremists
The assassination was no impulsive act. Over 12 months, Godse, Narayan Apte (Hindu Mahasabha leader), and Vishnu Karkare orchestrated the murder. Key players included:
Madanlal Pahwa: A refugee tasked with creating diversions.
Digambar Badge: Weapons supplier who later turned informant.
Savarkar: The “guiding spirit” who allegedly blessed the plot.
Shocking Detail: Godse meticulously tracked expenses in a notebook, later used as evidence.
5. Failed Plans and Betrayals
The conspirators’ initial plan to bomb Gandhi’s prayer meeting on January 20, 1948, failed when Pahwa was arrested. Plan B involved Godse using a Beretta pistol supplied by Gwalior’s Hindu Rashtra Army. The final attack on January 30 was coldly calculated—Godse fired three bullets at point-blank range.
6. The Role of RSS and Hindu Mahasabha
While RSS and Hindu Mahasabha publicly distanced themselves post-assassination, internal documents reveal their ideological complicity. A 1947 Delhi Police report noted RSS chief Golwalkar’s threats to “silence Gandhi.” Post-crime, RSS offices nationwide faced public wrath, leading to a 1948 ban.
Did You Know? RSS hoisted the Indian flag at its headquarters only in 2002—54 years after independence.
7. Savarkar’s Escape from Justice
Despite witness testimonies linking Savarkar to the plot, he evaded conviction due to insufficient evidence. His secretary and bodyguard refused to testify, shielding him. Historians argue Savarkar’s ideological fingerprints are undeniable.
8. Godse’s Twisted Justification in Court
During his trial, Godse falsely accused Gandhi of “partitioning India” and “favoring Muslims.” In reality, Gandhi vehemently opposed partition, calling it “evil.” Godse’s hatred stemmed from Gandhi’s secularism, which threatened extremist Hindu dominance.
Irony Alert: Savarkar supported Jinnah’s two-nation theory—a fact Godse ignored.
9. The Final Hours: Regret and Desperation
Before his execution on November 15, 1949, Godse reportedly expressed remorse. Justice G.D. Khosla noted Godse’s anxiety and wish to “serve the nation peacefully” if given another chance. Yet, his legacy remains a rallying cry for extremists.
10. Gandhi’s Victory Over Godse’s Hate
Gandhi’s assassination backfired spectacularly. Instead of erasing his ideals, it immortalized them. His vision of tolerance and equality triumphed, exposing the moral bankruptcy of extremism. Today, Godse symbolizes divisive hatred, while Gandhi’s message of unity resonates globally.
Why Nathuram Godse’s Story Matters Today
The ideological battle between Gandhi’s secularism and Godse’s Hindutva extremism rages on. From caste-based violence to online radicalization, Godse’s legacy persists in factions promoting division. Understanding this history is critical to safeguarding India’s pluralistic fabric.
