The Brotherhood in Saffron

The Brotherhood in Saffron examines the history and operations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization in India. The book traces the RSS from its founding in 1925 through its development into one of India's most influential cultural and political forces. The authors present an analysis of the RSS's organizational structure, leadership, and methodology for cultivating members and spreading its ideology. Through interviews and primary source research, they document the group's relationships with political parties and its role in shaping modern Indian politics. The work provides context for understanding Hindu nationalism's place in Indian society and its impact on the nation's trajectory. The examination of RSS reveals broader patterns about the intersection of religion, politics, and social movements in South Asia. The book serves as a window into how cultural organizations can transform into political powers, while raising questions about nationalism, secularism, and democracy in developing nations. Through its study of the RSS, the work illustrates the complex dynamics between tradition and modernization in post-colonial states.

Readers describe this as a detailed academic study of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) that brings data-driven research rather than ideological arguments. Multiple reviews note the authors gained unprecedented access to RSS leadership and internal documents in the 1980s. Liked: - Deep historical research and insider perspectives - Neutral, academic tone focusing on organizational structure - Documentation of RSS's evolution and modernization - Clear explanation of Hindu nationalist ideology's roots Disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Some data and conclusions now outdated (published 1987) - Limited coverage of post-1980s developments - Focus on organizational aspects over social impact Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (62 ratings) Amazon.in: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) One reader noted: "Still the most authoritative book on RSS's organizational structure, though dated." Another criticized: "Too sympathetic to RSS leadership perspective, needs more critical analysis of their claims."

RSS: A View to the Inside by H V Seshadri Chronicles the internal workings, organizational structure, and ideological evolution of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh from a first-hand perspective.

The Saffron Wave by Thomas Blom Hansen Examines the rise of Hindu nationalism in India through analysis of political movements, cultural shifts, and social transformations from the 1980s to 1990s.

Hindu Nationalism: Origins, Ideologies and Modern Myths by Chetan Bhatt Traces the historical development of Hindu nationalist thought from colonial times through contemporary political manifestations.

The RSS and the Making of the Deep Nation by Dinesh Narayanan Documents the growth and influence of RSS in Indian society through its network of affiliated organizations and impact on national politics.

The Hindu Nationalist Movement and Indian Politics by Christophe Jaffrelot Maps the development of Hindu nationalism from the 1920s to the 1990s through examination of political strategies, organizational networks, and ideological transformations.

📚 The book was one of the first comprehensive academic studies of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) published in English, released in 1987. 🔍 Walter K. Andersen served as chief of the U.S. State Department's South Asia Division in the Office of Analysis for the Near East and South Asia and brought unique diplomatic insights to the research. 🌟 A significantly updated version titled "The RSS: A View to the Inside" was published in 2018, covering the organization's evolution over three additional decades. 🗝️ The authors gained unprecedented access to RSS leadership for their research, including multiple interviews with then-supreme leader (Sarsanghchalak) Balasaheb Deoras. 📖 The book's title "Brotherhood in Saffron" refers to the saffron-colored flag (bhagwa dhwaj) used by the RSS, which symbolizes sacrifice and commitment to Hindu traditions.