Why is the RSS Supremo Always a Brahmin?

Why is the RSS Supremo Always a Brahmin?

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a voluntary Hindu nationalist paramilitary and cultural organization in India. Historically, it has maintained a leadership that predominantly consists of Brahmins. Why is the RSS supreme leader almost always a Brahmin, and what does this reveal about the organization's stance on the caste system and its interpretation of history?

Sanatan Dharma, or Varnashrama Dharma, traditionally prescribes leadership roles based on the caste system, where Brahmins (priests and scholars) are placed at the top. This ancient Hindu framework has been used to justify the hierarchical leadership structure in the RSS. The current leader of RSS, Mohan Bhagwat, is a Brahmin, further highlighting this trend.

Debunking Baseless Claims

Some claim that the Rig Veda, specifically verse 10.90.12, supports the idea that Brahmins were born from Brahma's mouth and Shudras from his feet. However, such claims are often baseless and misinterpreted. Sayanacharya, a renowned ancient commentator on the Rig Veda, clarifies that 'Brahmana' refers to the Brahmin caste, and the verse is metaphorical. Here's Sayanacharya's commentary on the verse:

Rig Veda 10.90.12

- 'Brahmana' is interpreted as the Brahmin caste, and it means they were born from the mouth of the Virat Purusha (Cosmic Being).

- 'Kshatriya' is derived from 'arms,' suggesting they were born from the arms.

- 'Vaishya' is related to the thighs, signifying they were born from the thighs.

- 'Shudra' is related to the feet, indicating they were born from the feet of the Cosmic Being.

Sayanacharya uses the word 'Jati' (caste) to interpret these passages, indicating that the Rig Veda speaks about the hierarchical structure of society rather than suggesting that these groups were predestined by birth.

Historical Context and Leadership

This preference for Brahmin leaders in the RSS is not just historical; today, it is a clear manifestation of the RSS's traditionalist stance on the caste system. While much of the early leadership of the RSS was composed of Chitpavan Brahmins from Maharashtra, the organization has had a non-Brahmin chief as well, Rajinder Singh Ji, who belonged to the Thakur Rajput caste. Nevertheless, the overwhelming preference for Brahmin leaders reflects the RSS's deep-seated belief in the caste hierarchy.

Leadership and Ideology

The RSS leadership, including leaders like M.S. Golwalkar, has historically promoted the idea of Brahmin supremacy and a hierarchical social order. This is evident from Golwalkar's writings and actions.

M.S. Golwalkar on the Varna System

Golwalkar, in his book 'Bunch of Thoughts,' justifies the Varna system, writing:

“It is the continuous tradition of such persons holding the sceptre of spiritual authority who were ever on the alert to undo any injustice perpetrated by any of these two powers while they themselves remained above all temptations of power or riches that formed the real breath of the glory and immortality of our ancient nation.”

However, he also downplays the idea of inequality within the Varna system, suggesting that recent history, including British colonialism, has clouded its original meaning.

The RSS's stance on the Indian Constitution is clear; they reject its principles of equality and interfere with state institutions. When the Indian Constitution was enacted in 1949, the RSS publication 'Organizer' published an editorial praising Manu's laws over the Indian Constitution, viewing the latter as anti-Hindu.

“The worst about the new Constitution of Bharat is that there is nothing Bhartiya about it…There is no trace of ancient Bhartiya constitutional laws, institutions, nomenclatures, and phraseology in it…”

Through these actions, the RSS adheres to a view of history and society rooted in ancient traditions, which includes the hierarchical caste system.

Conclusion

The RSS's preference for Brahmin leadership and its strict adherence to the caste system reflect a deeply traditional and hierarchical worldview. This preference is rooted in their interpretation of ancient texts and cultural histories that justify their leadership hierarchy. Understanding this context is crucial for comprehending the RSS's ideological framework and its role in shaping contemporary Indian politics and society.