Political Thought of M. S. Golwalkar and Its Contribution to the Formation of Modern India

Abstract

The political thought of Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar (1906–1973), popularly known as Guruji, occupies a significant position in the intellectual history of modern India. As the second Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Golwalkar transformed the organisation into one of the most influential socio-cultural movements in independent India. His writings, particularly We, or Our Nationhood Defined (1939) and Bunch of Thoughts (1966), articulated a conception of India grounded in cultural nationalism, civilisational continuity, and the primacy of Hindu identity. Although Golwalkar never occupied public office, his ideological influence has extended far beyond the RSS, shaping political organisations, public discourse, and debates concerning nationalism, secularism, and national integration. This article examines Golwalkar's political philosophy by analysing his understanding of nationhood, the state, democracy, cultural identity, and social organisation. It further evaluates the contribution of his ideas to the formation of modern India while acknowledging the scholarly criticisms regarding pluralism, minority rights, and constitutional secularism. The article argues that Golwalkar's political thought remains indispensable for understanding the evolution of Hindu nationalism and contemporary Indian politics, irrespective of ideological agreement or disagreement. His intellectual legacy continues to influence debates on national identity, governance, and the relationship between culture and politics in twenty-first-century India.

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