The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a prominent right-wing, nationalist organization in India that has been a subject of interest and controversy for many decades. Founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS has grown into a massive network of volunteers and sympathizers, with its influence extending into various aspects of Indian society and politics. In this article, we will delve into the history, ideology, structure, and activities of the RSS, as well as its impact on Indian politics and society.
A Brief History of the RSS
The RSS was founded on September 27, 1925, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a doctor and a Hindu nationalist. Hedgewar was influenced by the Hindu nationalist movement and the Indian independence movement, and he sought to create an organization that would promote Hindu values and culture, as well as work towards Indian independence from British rule.
During the early years, the RSS focused on promoting physical fitness, martial arts, and Hindu culture among its members. The organization grew rapidly, and by the 1940s, it had spread to many parts of India. However, the RSS’s growth was also accompanied by controversy, particularly due to its alleged role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
The RSS and the Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi
The RSS was banned in 1948, following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse, a former RSS member. The Indian government alleged that the RSS was involved in the conspiracy to kill Gandhi, and many RSS leaders, including the organization’s second chief, Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, were arrested and jailed.
However, the RSS was later exonerated of any direct involvement in the assassination, and the ban was lifted in 1949. Despite this, the RSS’s reputation was severely damaged, and the organization faced intense scrutiny and criticism from many quarters.
The Ideology of the RSS
The RSS’s ideology is rooted in Hindu nationalism and the promotion of Hindu values and culture. The organization believes in the concept of “Hindutva,” or Hindu-ness, which emphasizes the importance of Hindu culture, traditions, and values in Indian society.
The RSS also believes in the concept of “Akhand Bharat,” or Undivided India, which advocates for the reunification of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh under a single Hindu-dominated state. This ideology has been criticized by many as being exclusionary and divisive, particularly towards India’s Muslim and Christian minorities.
The RSS’s View on Minorities
The RSS has been accused of promoting a Hindu-centric agenda that is hostile to India’s minority communities, particularly Muslims and Christians. The organization has been criticized for its alleged role in promoting communal violence and hatred towards minorities, particularly during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
However, the RSS has consistently denied these allegations, stating that it is committed to promoting Hindu-Muslim unity and harmony. The organization has also claimed that it is working towards promoting the rights and interests of India’s minority communities, although many have questioned the sincerity of these claims.
The Structure of the RSS
The RSS is a highly structured organization with a complex network of volunteers, sympathizers, and affiliated organizations. The organization is headed by a chief, known as the “Sarsanghchalak,” who is responsible for overseeing the RSS’s activities and operations.
The RSS is divided into several departments, including the “Shakha” department, which is responsible for promoting physical fitness and martial arts among members; the “Prachar” department, which is responsible for promoting the RSS’s ideology and values; and the “Seva” department, which is responsible for promoting social service and community development.
The RSS’s Affiliated Organizations
The RSS has a network of affiliated organizations that work towards promoting its ideology and values. Some of the notable affiliated organizations include:
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is India’s ruling party and has close ties with the RSS.
- The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which is a Hindu nationalist organization that promotes the RSS’s ideology and values.
- The Bajrang Dal, which is a Hindu nationalist organization that promotes the RSS’s ideology and values, particularly among young people.
The RSS’s Impact on Indian Politics and Society
The RSS has had a significant impact on Indian politics and society, particularly since the 1980s. The organization’s ideology and values have influenced many Indian politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a former RSS member.
The RSS has also played a significant role in promoting Hindu nationalism and the concept of “Hindutva” in Indian society. The organization’s efforts have contributed to a growing sense of Hindu identity and pride among many Indians, although this has also been accompanied by a growing sense of intolerance and hostility towards minority communities.
The RSS’s Role in Indian Politics
The RSS has played a significant role in Indian politics, particularly since the 1980s. The organization’s ideology and values have influenced many Indian politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a former RSS member.
The RSS has also been involved in several high-profile controversies, including the demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque in Ayodhya in 1992, which was carried out by RSS-affiliated organizations. The organization has also been accused of promoting communal violence and hatred towards minorities, particularly during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Conclusion
The RSS is a complex and multifaceted organization that has played a significant role in shaping Indian politics and society. While the organization’s ideology and values have been influential in promoting Hindu nationalism and the concept of “Hindutva,” they have also been criticized for being exclusionary and divisive.
As India continues to grapple with the challenges of diversity, inclusivity, and social cohesion, the RSS’s role in promoting Hindu nationalism and the concept of “Hindutva” will remain a subject of intense debate and controversy. However, it is also important to recognize the organization’s contributions to promoting social service, community development, and national unity, and to engage with its ideology and values in a nuanced and constructive manner.
Key Takeaways
- The RSS is a right-wing, nationalist organization that was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
- The organization’s ideology is rooted in Hindu nationalism and the promotion of Hindu values and culture.
- The RSS has been accused of promoting a Hindu-centric agenda that is hostile to India’s minority communities.
- The organization has played a significant role in shaping Indian politics and society, particularly since the 1980s.
- The RSS’s ideology and values have influenced many Indian politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
References
- Andersen, W. K., & Damle, S. D. (1987). The Brotherhood in Saffron: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Revivalism. Westview Press.
- Jaffrelot, C. (1996). The Hindu Nationalist Movement and Indian Politics. Hurst & Company.
- Katju, M. (2011). The RSS and Indian Politics. South Asia Research, 31(2), 149-164.
- Nanda, M. (2009). The RSS and the BJP: A Divorce in the Making? Economic and Political Weekly, 44(15), 10-13.
What is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and what are its origins?
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a right-wing, Hindu nationalist organization in India. Founded on September 27, 1925, by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a doctor and social activist, the RSS aimed to promote the values of Hinduism and create a unified Indian nation. The organization’s early years were marked by its involvement in social and cultural activities, such as promoting physical fitness, education, and community service.
The RSS gained prominence during the Indian independence movement, with its members participating in various nationalist activities. However, the organization’s ideology and methods have been the subject of controversy, with some critics accusing it of promoting a narrow, exclusionary form of Hindu nationalism. Despite this, the RSS has grown to become one of the largest and most influential social organizations in India, with millions of members across the country.
What are the core values and ideology of the RSS?
The RSS is rooted in the ideology of Hindu nationalism, which emphasizes the importance of Hindu culture, traditions, and values in shaping Indian society. The organization’s core values include the promotion of Hindu dharma (religion), the protection of Hindu culture, and the creation of a unified Indian nation. The RSS also emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, discipline, and physical fitness, which are seen as essential qualities for building a strong and resilient nation.
The RSS’s ideology is also influenced by the concept of “Akhand Bharat” or “Undivided India,” which refers to the idea of a unified Indian nation that includes not only the present-day territory of India but also neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. This ideology has been the subject of controversy, with some critics accusing the RSS of promoting a form of expansionism and intolerance towards non-Hindu communities.
What is the organizational structure of the RSS, and how does it operate?
The RSS has a hierarchical organizational structure, with the Sarsanghchalak (Chief) at the top. The Sarsanghchalak is the supreme leader of the organization and is responsible for setting its overall direction and policy. Below the Sarsanghchalak are the Sahsarkaryavah (Joint General Secretaries), who are responsible for overseeing the organization’s various activities and departments. The RSS also has a network of regional and local units, known as “shakhas,” which are responsible for implementing the organization’s programs and activities at the grassroots level.
The RSS operates through a network of volunteers, known as “swayamsevaks,” who are responsible for implementing the organization’s programs and activities. The RSS also has a number of affiliated organizations, known as “parivar,” which operate in various fields such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. These organizations are responsible for promoting the RSS’s ideology and values in their respective fields.
What is the relationship between the RSS and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)?
The RSS has a close relationship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is one of the two major national parties in India. The BJP was founded in 1980 by a group of RSS activists, and the organization has maintained close ties with the party ever since. Many BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have been members of the RSS, and the organization has played a significant role in shaping the party’s ideology and policies.
The RSS has also been instrumental in promoting the BJP’s electoral prospects, with its volunteers and activists playing a key role in the party’s election campaigns. In return, the BJP has provided the RSS with access to state power and resources, which has enabled the organization to expand its activities and influence. However, the relationship between the RSS and the BJP has also been the subject of controversy, with some critics accusing the organization of exerting undue influence over the party and the government.
What are the criticisms and controversies surrounding the RSS?
The RSS has been the subject of numerous criticisms and controversies over the years. One of the main criticisms is that the organization promotes a narrow, exclusionary form of Hindu nationalism that is intolerant of non-Hindu communities. The RSS has also been accused of promoting a form of “cultural fascism” that seeks to impose Hindu values and traditions on other communities.
The RSS has also been linked to various forms of violence and intimidation, including the demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque in Ayodhya in 1992 and the Gujarat riots in 2002. The organization’s ideology and methods have also been criticized by human rights groups and other civil society organizations, which have accused the RSS of promoting a form of “majoritarianism” that undermines the rights of minority communities.
What is the impact of the RSS on Indian society and politics?
The RSS has had a significant impact on Indian society and politics, shaping the country’s cultural and ideological landscape in profound ways. The organization’s emphasis on Hindu nationalism has contributed to a growing sense of Hindu identity and pride, which has had a profound impact on Indian politics and society.
The RSS has also played a key role in shaping the BJP’s ideology and policies, which has had a significant impact on Indian politics. The organization’s influence can be seen in various policy areas, including education, culture, and foreign policy. However, the RSS’s impact on Indian society and politics has also been the subject of controversy, with some critics accusing the organization of promoting a form of “cultural nationalism” that undermines the country’s secular and pluralistic traditions.
What is the future of the RSS, and how will it continue to shape Indian society and politics?
The future of the RSS is likely to be shaped by various factors, including the organization’s ability to adapt to changing social and political circumstances. The RSS has already begun to evolve, with the organization seeking to expand its influence and appeal to new constituencies. The RSS has also sought to rebrand itself as a more inclusive and pluralistic organization, which has involved reaching out to non-Hindu communities and promoting a more nuanced understanding of Indian culture and identity.
Despite these efforts, the RSS is likely to remain a contentious and polarizing force in Indian society and politics. The organization’s ideology and methods will continue to be the subject of controversy, and its influence will be shaped by various factors, including the BJP’s electoral prospects and the country’s broader social and economic trends. However, the RSS’s impact on Indian society and politics is likely to be profound and lasting, shaping the country’s cultural and ideological landscape in profound ways.