M. S. Golwalkar: Architect of Hindutva Ideology and Its Evolution in Modern India
Abstract
Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, revered as Guruji, stands as one of the most influential figures in the consolidation and expansion of Hindutva, a doctrine that has profoundly shaped India's socio-political fabric. As the second Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (1940-1973), Golwalkar’s ideological contributions, primarily through his seminal works Bunch of Thoughts and We or Our Nationhood Defined, articulated a distinct vision of Indian nationhood, deeply rooted in the primacy of Hindu cultural supremacy. This paper delves into Golwalkar's pivotal role in not only shaping the intellectual and organizational contours of Hindutva but also in embedding it within the national discourse on identity, nationalism, and religious majoritarianism. By dissecting his philosophical tenets, this study critically examines the evolution of Hindutva from a culturally oriented ideology to an expansive political doctrine, tracing its trajectory from Golwalkar's leadership of the RSS to its modern-day expression in India’s contemporary politics. In doing so, the paper illuminates the enduring influence of Golwalkar’s thoughts on the Hindutva movement and their profound implications for India's pluralistic democracy.
References
2. Bhishikar C.P, Shri Guruji’ Sadhana Pustak Prakashan, Ahmedabad, 2002.
3. Ved Naresh, Chotaliya Mahendra & Katdare Shrikant, “Shri Guruji Samagra’ Madhav Smruti Nyaas, Ahmedabad,2006.
4. Golwalkar,M. S. “ChintanSarita, Sadhana”, Pustak Prakashan, Amdavad, 1995.
5. M R Jayakar to Sapru, 21 May 1947, Saprupapers, S-1, NMML, New Delhi. 9. Madhava Sadashiv Rao Golwalkar (1906–1973) was the Sarsanghchalak of the RSS between1940 and1973. He is considered asone of the most prominent ideologuesof the organisation.
6. Kumar Krishna, “Political Agendaof Education: A Study of Colonialist and Nationalist Idea” New Delhi, 1991.
7. Paul R. Brass, “Language, Religionand Politics in North India” Nebraska,1974.
8. Nair, Neeti, “Partition and Minority Rights in Punjabi Hindu Debates, 1920–47,” Economicand Political Weekly46, no. 52(2011).
9. Jaffrelot, Christopher, “Hindu Nationalism: Strategic Syncretism inIdeology Building,” Economicand Political Weekly28, no. 12/13 (1993)
10. Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, “Weor Our Nationhood Defined” Bharat Prakashan, Nagpur.1939.
11. Jaf relot, C. “Hindu Nationalism: A Reader,”Princeton University Press. New Jersey, 2007.
12. Seshadri, H. V. “Hindurenaissance under way”, , Jagarana Prakashana, New Delhi. 1984.
13. Guha, Ramachandra. “India After Gandhi: The History of the World's Largest Democracy”. Pan Macmillan, New Delhi, 2008.
14. Savarkar V D, “Hindutva”, Bharati Sahitya Sadan, Delhi India, 1923.
15. Golwalkar M S, “Bunch of Thoughts”, Sahitya Sindhu Prakashana, Bengaluru, 2015.
16. Madan T.N., “Religious Nationalism andthe Secular State: Cultural Concerns” International Encyclopedia of the Social & BehavioralSciences,2001.
