The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925 in India by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
Foundation and Early Years (1925–1947)
The RSS was established on October 27, 1925, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, with the goal of promoting Hindu nationalism and instilling discipline and unity within the Hindu community. The organization’s motto is “Service of the Nation”, and it was created as a response to what its founders saw as the weakening of Hindu society due to British colonial rule and the influence of other religions. The RSS aimed to unite Hindus under a common identity to ensure the strength and security of Hinduism.
- Founder: Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a physician by profession, believed that India’s independence could only be achieved if Hindu society was unified and strong.
- Inspiration: The RSS was influenced by the ideology of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the Hindu Mahasabha, and other right-wing Hindu organizations.
During the early years, the RSS functioned mainly as a social and cultural organization, organizing physical exercises, training camps, and spreading messages of Hindu unity.
Post-Independence and Expansion (1947–1970s)
After India gained independence in 1947, the RSS grew in prominence and expanded its activities.
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Controversies: The RSS was often accused of being involved in various political and religious controversies. One of the significant events was the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. The assassin, Nathuram Godse, was associated with the Hindu Mahasabha, which had ideological similarities with the RSS. This led to the temporary banning of the RSS, although the ban was lifted in 1949 after the organization pledged to maintain its commitment to non-violence and constitutional methods.
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Expansion: During this period, the RSS expanded its presence in various regions of India and began forming swayamsevak (volunteer) branches in cities, towns, and villages. The RSS also created a number of allied organizations, collectively known as the Sangh Parivar, which includes groups like the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
The 1980s: Rise of Political Influence
In the 1980s, the RSS became increasingly involved in politics, particularly through its support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a political party that aligned with the RSS’s ideology.
- The BJP was formed in 1980 as a political successor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (Janata Party), and the RSS played a crucial role in its formation and rise to power.
- The Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s, supported by the RSS and its affiliates, was a major political event in which Hindu groups called for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya. This movement led to heightened religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
Post-1990s: Dominant Force in Indian Politics
In the 1990s and beyond, the RSS continued to exert significant influence on Indian politics, particularly with the BJP rising to national prominence.
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1992 Babri Masjid Demolition: The RSS and its affiliates were involved in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, an event that caused significant riots and religious violence across India. This event remains a source of controversy and debate in Indian politics.
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BJP’s Political Success: The RSS’s close ties with the BJP helped the party grow, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. The BJP, under leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and later Narendra Modi, adopted policies that reflected the RSS’s ideological beliefs in Hindu nationalism, though the party also worked to broaden its appeal.
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The RSS’s role in the BJP’s rise to power was pivotal, particularly after the 2014 general elections when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India. The Modi government, with close links to the RSS, has been seen by many as a culmination of the RSS’s decades-long political and cultural influence.
Ideology
The RSS’s ideology is rooted in Hindutva, which emphasizes the cultural and political unity of the Hindu community and the idea that India should be a Hindu nation. The organization has consistently promoted:
- Cultural Nationalism: The belief that India’s culture is fundamentally Hindu, and its identity should be defined by Hindu traditions and values.
- Social Service: The RSS runs numerous educational, health, and social service initiatives, often with the aim of promoting Hindu values and self-reliance.
- Non-Violence and Discipline: While the RSS has faced criticism for its alleged involvement in political violence, the organization officially promotes non-violence and discipline among its members.
Controversies and Criticism
The RSS has faced criticism from various quarters:
- Accusations of Intolerance: Critics accuse the RSS of fostering intolerance toward religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians. The organization’s stance on Hindutva has often been portrayed as exclusionary.
- Allegations of Violence: The RSS has been accused of encouraging religious violence and promoting a climate of intolerance, particularly during events like the Babri Masjid demolition and Gujarat riots in 2002.
- Banning: The RSS was banned once in 1948 and faced restrictions due to its perceived role in certain violent events, but it has been allowed to operate freely since.
Today, the RSS is one of the largest and most influential Hindu nationalist organizations in India. It has millions of active members, and its reach extends through its network of affiliates and the BJP. The organization plays a significant role in shaping India’s political discourse, especially with regard to issues of national identity, culture, and religion. While its ideology remains divisive for many, it continues to be a powerful force in shaping Indian society and politics.