It has been criticised as an extremist and a paramilitary group.[8][9] It has also been criticised when its members have participated in anti-Muslim violence.[10] The RSS was founded in 1925. It was set up as an alternative to the politics of mass anti-colonial struggles[11] and has since formed militant wing Bajrang Dal.[7][12] Along with other extremist organizations the RSS has participated in a wide range of riots, often participating in organizing and inciting violence against Christians[13] and Muslims.[3]
It has mentioned its ideals to be as upholding Indian culture and its civilization values more than anything else.[14]
It was banned during the British rule,[7] and then thrice by the post-independence Indian government — first in 1948 when Nathuram Godse, a former RSS member,[15] assassinated Mahatma Gandhi;[7][16][17] then during the emergency (1975–78); and after the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992. The bans were subsequently lifted.
