Реферат: Hindu Revival Essay Research Paper Hindu revivalism

the Shakha and keep out of the country’s politics. The new members of the Sangh,

saw the RSS as a growing force on the subcontinent and wanted to use the

influence in a more aggressive and political way. In the end, the traditionalist

of the RSS won and the RSS stayed out of the pre-independence politics of India.

The RSS came under harsh criticism for this move, as many supporters felt that

the RSS was the only organized and influential group that could have prevented

partition. Lord Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy, announced the partition

of the Indian subcontinent on a communal basis on June 3, 1947, and termination

of colonial rule on August 15, 1947. The British created a boundary force to

keep law and order during partition but dissolved it in September 1947. Millions

of Hindus and Sikhs were left unprotected in West Punjab, and the same for

Muslims in East Punjab. Violence was everywhere as early as June 1947 and

reached its peak in September 1947. It only subsided when the minority

communities of West Pakistan (formerly West Punjab) fled to India. Golwalker had

set an example of fearlessness by moving through riot torn areas consoling

refugees in their flight to India. The East Punjab government provided

assistance, including the issuance of weapons to the RSS, while they were

organizing rescue squads to bring refugees to India. Armed Swayamsevaks were

assigned to guard Hindu and Sikh homes. They even retaliated against Muslims in

Pakistan when danger was imminent. Their rescue efforts helped bolster

confidence and pride among the demoralized Hindus and Sikhs of the Punjab area.

The growing popularity and activism of the RSS proved it an influential force to

be reckoned with. (Andersen and Damle 52) The RSS ?s humanitarian efforts

during the partition had won it respect from the people of the newly established

India. However, the government was wary that the RSS posed a political threat to

the stability of the country. Many Muslim leaders in India were growing fearful

of the anti-Muslim sentiment that the RSS members characterized. The RSS did

realize that it had to take a more active role in the political activities of

India. During the Kashmir war, when Pakistan sent in armed raiders, the Indian