Реферат: Hindu Revival Essay Research Paper Hindu revivalism

squads to protect various Hindu neighbourhoods. This generated widespread

publicity and captured the attention of Hindus everywhere. The paramilitary

nature of the RSS soon convinced the Central Provincial government that the RSS

could develop into a dangerous revolutionary group. It soon became the most

successful of a class of associations, which specialized in recruiting young men

and adolescents into uniformed militia bands called Shakhas. The Shakha was the

first stage of involvement, where boys would work and train together and develop

a camaraderie. Those that excelled were moved up into the full-time rank of the

organization?an organization that was extremely effective in managing and

mobilizing many people. These Swayamsevaks belonging to the ?Sangh

Brotherhood? were dedicated to the improvement of Hindu society, culture,

religion, and to the eventual creation of a Hindu Rashtra or Hindu nation.

Shakha technique was evolved by Dr. Hedgewar to achieve these aims. It offered a

unifying experience, stressing commitment and loyalty to the ideologies of the

RSS. The uniqueness of the technique lay in the active participation on national

affairs by each and every member. The physical, intellectual and mental training

was designed to prepare all sections of society for effectively involving

themselves in nation building (i.e. a grass roots philosophy). The membership

was free to all castes of Hindus as equal participants, without prejudice. The

RSS believed in the equality of all castes. They did not accept the practice of

untouchability. All members must participate in common meals, a controversial

practice at the time, but one that was used by many reformers such as the Arya

Samaj, Swami Vivekananda, and Gandhi. All followers had to conform to the

behavioural standards of the RSS, which appeared to be a mix of Brahmin and

Kshatriya standards. Prior to his death on June 21, 1940, Dr. Hedgewar chose the

RSS general secretary at the time, Golwalker, to succeed him as leader. Under

the new leadership, the RSS continued to expand rapidly during World War II.

With the pressing for an independent Muslim state by the Muslim League, the

period between 1945 to 1948 saw sharp increases in membership within the RSS,