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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a Hindu nationalist movement which bases itself on the principles of Hindutva. It was started in 1925 by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar. In 1948 it was banned following the assassination of Mohandas Gandhi by Nathuram Godse, a right-wing Hindu who was upset at Gandhi's appeasement of Muslims and who was an ex-member of RSS as well as the Congress Party. It was cleared after an investigation and the ban was lifted the following year. Since then it has slowly gained prominence and political influence, culminating in the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), usually considered to be the political wing of the Sangh movement, to head the central government (Center) of India.

Organisational structure

The Sangh organises itself hierarchically, with a single individual, the sarsanghachalak, directing it. The position is decided by appointment, with each sarsanghachalak appointing his successor. Most of the organisational work of the Sangh is done through the coordination of shakhas, or clubs, which consist of a group of men and women (usually segregated) from an area. The activities consist of prayer, games (including sometimes training in stick fighting), and an educational session (bouddhik) given by a notable figure selected by the shakha coordinator. Usually the educational session relates to the history of India, Indian philosophy and culture, or ethics.

The organisation is ostensibly entirely volunteer-run, though full-time volunteers (pracharaks) are sometimes subsidized by donations. z

Criticism

The Sangh is usually considered to be a right-wing group and the Hindutva philosophy is often labelled "fascist" by its critics. RSS supporters say their main demand has been that the Government stop the alleged "appeasement" of Muslims, such as the handling of the controversial Shah Bano case and government subsidies for Hajj pilgrimage. Critics say these stir up anti-Muslim hate, and ignore Hindu-oriented policies such as tax breaks for Hindu undivided families, the funding of Hindu pilgrimages, and the prevention of discrimination against lower castes.

The stated historical position of the RSS and the Hindutva movement is that Hindus have been oppressed in their own homeland (India) for many years, and that RSS is only asserting the natural rights of Hindus and correcting historical wrongs. The most notable conflict over this divergent view of history involves the Babri Masjid mosque, which was destroyed in 1992 by a militant Hindu crowd who wanted the land on which the mosque stood. It is thought by some that Babri Masjid was built by the Muslim ruler Babur in the 16th century after he demolished the pre-existing Rama Janmabhoomi Temple, which Hindus believe to be the site of the birth of the legendary Hindu God Rama. A controversial study conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2003 has claimed to have found evidence that such a temple existed at the site prior to the construction of the mosque.

The Sangh's official position is that all inhabitants of India — irrespective of their stated religion — are Hindus, and their idea of a Hindu country therefore accommodates every religion. (See Hindutva for further discussion)

See also:

• Hindutva
• Vishwa Hindu Parishad
• Bajrang Dal
• Bharatiya Janata Party
• nationalism