Republic of Hindutva How the Sangh Is Reshaping Indian Democracy

Essential reading' ~ Shekhar Gupta'A handy insight into the activities reach and influence of the RSS' ~ Indian Express'[Yields] insights for students of Indian democracy' ~ The Hindu'Very insightful and is recommended reading for both critics as well as admirers of the RSS' ~ Financial ExpressAN EXPLOSIVE ACCOUNT OF HOW THE RSS HELPS THE BJP WIN ELECTIONSThe RSS is like the tip of an iceberg exerting its influence much beyond what is visible.Beginning with the choice of Narendra Modi as the forerunner for the 2014 general election up to the campaign for the 2019 election RSS cadres have been a formidable force behind the staggering rise of the BJP in national politics.In this eye-opening necessary book Badri Narayan offers an intimate glimpse of how the Sangh and its vast network of educational cultural and social outfits have been digging deep roots in the Indian psycheBy refashioning its modes of mobilization as well as assimilating Dalits OBCs tribals and other marginalized communities the RSS has made the Hindutva metanarrative appealing to a large section of IndiansDuring elections the BJP-instead of wiping out caste from electoral politics-reaps rich political dividends from this social appropriation.Drawing on extensive field research in the heartland of India and interviews with RSS volunteers Narayan reveals how a new public is being forged at the grassroots which will determine the course of Indian democracyReview A handy insight into the activities reach and influence of the RSS ―Indian ExpressNo organisation that has survived for so long can do so without an astute grasp of India's socio-political realities and using that knowledge to evolve and growIt therefore stands to reason that a study of its recent strategies could yield insights for students of Indian democracyRepublic of Hindutva is meant to be such a study ―The HinduThe case studies done by Narayan and his team which bring forth the ground realities that are so necessary to understand Indian politics and society [could] have been done by many other intellectuals and their think tanksThe reason the latter failed is because they work with a set of assumptions that are tailored to match their findings Narayan's book is very insightful and is recommended reading for both critics as well as admirers of the RSSFor admirers to be mindful of the pitfalls and for critics to at least know the enemy before mounting an attack ―Financial ExpressGiven the centrality of the RSS to Indian politics if not the role it has played over the past seven decades paucity of Indian scholars' research on the organization is disappointingMuch of what we read and cite comes from foreign scholarsNoted social scientist Badri Narayan'sRepublic of Hindutva fills this gapIt bristles with great insights including how the RSS has tried to absorb all social groups reinterpreted Ambedkar and evolved a strategy of mobilization minus communal riotsIt will be essential reading and reference for scholars journalists and politicians -- Shekhar Gupta founder and editor-in-chief ThePrintWith the help of painstaking fieldwork in UP and Bihar Badri Narayan provides a ringside view of the objectives and strategies of the continuously evolving Sangh ParivarHe shows that it is perhaps the only force in India today which understands that building a comprehensive collective narrative is crucial as a means not just for acquiring state power but for retaining itThis short but incisive book is indispensable to anyone keen on understanding the political appeal of Hindutva -- Rajeev Bhargava honorary fellow and director Institute of Indian Thought Centre for the Study of Developing Societies Delhi About the Author Badri Narayan is a social historian and professor at G.BPant Social Science Institute AllahabadHis research interests range from popular culture social and anthropologi|Essential reading' ~ Shekhar Gupta'A handy insight into the activities reach and influence of the RSS' ~ Indian Express'[Yields] insights for students of Indian democracy' ~ The Hindu'Very insightful and is recommended reading for both critics as ...|Badri Narayan in partnership with Penguin Random House India Pvt.Ltd. has contributed to the creation of this title. Penguin Random House India Pvt.Ltd. a leader in MNC publications specializes in producing high-quality content tailored to the needs of industry professionals and enthusiasts. Their focus on excellence ensures that each publication offers valuable insights and in-depth knowledge making it an indispensable resource for readers seeking to enhance their expertise and understanding of the industry. This collaboration enriches the literary market providing readers with well-researched and expertly crafted works that advance their professional and personal development.|Essential reading' ~ Shekhar Gupta'A handy insight into the activities reach and influence of the RSS' ~ Indian Express'[Yields] insights for students of Indian democracy' ~ The Hindu'Very insightful and is recommended reading for both critics as well as admirers of the RSS' ~ Financial ExpressAN EXPLOSIVE ACCOUNT OF HOW THE RSS HELPS THE BJP WIN ELECTIONSThe RSS is like the tip of an iceberg exerting its influence much beyond what is visible. Beginning with the choice of Narendra Modi as the forerunner for the 2014 general election up to the campaign for the 2019 election RSS cadres have been a formidable force behind the staggering rise of the BJP in national politics.In this eye-opening necessary book Badri Narayan offers an intimate glimpse of how the Sangh and its vast network of educational cultural and social outfits have been digging deep roots in the Indian psyche. By refashioning its modes of mobilization as well as assimilating Dalits OBCs tribals and other marginalized communities the RSS has made the Hindutva metanarrative appealing to a large section of Indians. During elections the BJP-instead of wiping out caste from electoral politics-reaps rich political dividends from this social appropriation.Drawing on extensive field research in the heartland of India and interviews with RSS volunteers Narayan reveals how a new public is being forged at the grassroots which will determine the course of Indian democracy. Review A handy insight into the activities reach and influence of the RSS ―Indian ExpressNo organisation that has survived for so long can do so without an astute grasp of India's socio-political realities and using that knowledge to evolve and grow. It therefore stands to reason that a study of its recent strategies could yield insights for students of Indian democracy. Republic of Hindutva is meant to be such a study ―The HinduThe case studies done by Narayan and his team which bring forth the ground realities that are so necessary to understand Indian politics and society [could] have been done by many other intellectuals and their think tanks. The reason the latter failed is because they work with a set of assumptions that are tailored to match their findings . . . Narayan's book is very insightful and is recommended reading for both critics as well as admirers of the RSS. For admirers to be mindful of the pitfalls and for critics to at least know the enemy before mounting an attack ―Financial ExpressGiven the centrality of the RSS to Indian politics if not the role it has played over the past seven decades paucity of Indian scholars' research on the organization is disappointing. Much of what we read and cite comes from foreign scholars. Noted social scientist Badri Narayan'sRepublic of Hindutva fills this gap. It bristles with great insights including how the RSS has tried to absorb all social groups reinterpreted Ambedkar and evolved a strategy of mobilization minus communal riots. It will be essential reading and reference for scholars journalists and politicians -- Shekhar Gupta founder and editor-in-chief ThePrintWith the help of painstaking fieldwork in UP and Bihar Badri Narayan provides a ringside view of the objectives and strategies of the continuously evolving Sangh Parivar. He shows that it is perhaps the only force in India today which understands that building a comprehensive collective narrative is crucial as a means not just for acquiring state power but for retaining it. This short but incisive book is indispensable to anyone keen on understanding the political appeal of Hindutva -- Rajeev Bhargava honorary fellow and director Institute of Indian Thought Centre for the Study of Developing Societies Delhi About the Author Badri Narayan is a social historian and professor at G.B. Pant Social Science Institute Allahabad. His research interests range from popular culture social and anthropologi