The Brotherhood in Saffron: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Revivalism

by Walter K. Andersen, Shridhar Damle

Tracing the growth of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since its formation in the mid-1920s, the authors examine its ideology and training system. As the first significant book on its internal workings, this book is the prequel to RSS: A View to the Inside. It was for the first time in this book that readers received a glimpse into the inner workings of the RSS. Three decades later, the RSS is one of the most significant cultural organizations in India, making this book a powerful and important read.

Genres: Politics, India, History, Hinduism

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Abhidev H M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt a lil biased towards RSS. Gives a general idea and narrates the history and genesis of RSS.

[Sidharth Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book on RSS - an organisation which has played a crucial role in India's resurgence as a nation.

The author has done a very good job of chronicling RSS's journey since it's founding prior to independence to the late 1980s. The book gives a clear picture of RSS evolved, it's equation with the Governments, it's detachment and attraction towards getting involved in Indian politics but most importantly it's work towards national integration and inculcating a sense of brotherhood and discipline amongst Indian citizens.

[Kevin McAvoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got 1/2 way through and gave up.
Just not interesting. A dry recitation of internal strife and electoral results.
Perhaps if I was a militant Hindu rules member of the RSS I would care to know this boring saga, but I doubt it. Spent 8 hrs of reading time and retained none of it. The RSS take part in many violent communal riots but this is glossed over and this book seems to want to legitamise the thugs as representative for all India's Hindus. Which they aren't by a long shot.

[Adarsh Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a ringside view of RSS’ vast spread network and affiliates. Author’s understanding of RSS is much better than other contemporaries. Although RSS continues to be a mystery for millions and still there is no ONE book which deals with it completely from Left to Right

[R MANOJ KUMAR SINGHVI · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives us a good ring side view of RSS from its birth. But at times find it biased towards RSS. Anyway a good read.

[Girish Querido II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book which captures the history of RSS since inception.