Chauvinism is defined as an exaggerated and aggressive form of nationalism or patriotism. It involves a belief in the superiority of one's own nation or group, often accompanied by intense prejudice or hostility toward others. This concept is distinct from healthy national pride, as it actively promotes intolerance and conflict in international relations.

Savarkar's political philosophy, particularly regarding Hindutva, emphasized that minorities could only coexist if they did not oppose the fundamental interests of the Hindu majority. This condition was central to his vision of national integration, prioritizing the cultural and political dominance of the Hindu community in the Indian state.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is the primary architect of the Hindutva ideology. He articulated the concept of 'Hindu Rashtra' in his seminal work 'Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?'. He argued that India should be defined by its Hindu cultural and civilizational identity, distinguishing his political vision from the secular nationalism advocated by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru or the pluralistic approach of Mahatma Gandhi.

Savarkar defined a Hindu as someone who considers India (Bharatvarsha) both their fatherland (Pitrubhumi) and their holy land (Punnyabhumi). He argued that those whose holy lands are located outside of India, such as Christians and Muslims, cannot be considered Hindus because their primary religious allegiance lies outside the cultural and geographical boundaries of the Indian nation, thus excluding them from his specific definition of Hindutva.