The Sangh Parivar is a collective term for the various organizations that stem from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur. The RSS was established with the mission of strengthening Hindu society and promoting a sense of unity and cultural nationalism among Hindus. The organization’s unique approach involved organizing daily gatherings, known as shakhas, where swayamsevaks (volunteers) engaged in physical drills, intellectual discussions, and teachings focused on Indian culture and values. The RSS places a strong emphasis on character building, aiming to develop disciplined, selfless individuals committed to serving the nation. Additionally, under the RSS, there are numerous schools that focus on building the ethical and intellectual character of children to prepare them for serving the nation. The underlying ideology of the RSS is Hindutva, a concept popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, which envisions India as a Hindu Rashtra (nation) with Hindu culture and values at its core.  

Over the decades, the RSS expanded its influence by creating or inspiring the formation of various affiliated organizations, collectively known as the Sangh Parivar. These organizations serve different functions in Indian society while maintaining a shared ideological commitment to Hindutva. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), established in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mukherjee, and later transformed into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, serves as the political wing of the RSS. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), founded in 1964, focuses on the religious and cultural aspects of Hindutva and played a key role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), established in 1949, is the student wing that promotes nationalism among students. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), founded in 1955, advocates for workers' rights with a nationalist perspective, while the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), established in 1991, emphasizes economic self-reliance.

Additionally, the Seva Bharati (social service wing) and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (tribal outreach wing) focus on welfare and development initiatives. There are also various other branches, such as the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, which represents the interests of farmers. Bajrang Dal, founded in 1984, is the youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and acts as a militant organization committed to protecting Hindu values and countering perceived threats to Hinduism. Women’s wings, such as the Durga Vahini and Rashtra Sevika Samiti, focus on empowering Hindu women. The RSS is unique as it is the only organization in the world that covers all aspects of society, spanning politics, culture, labor, economics, education, and social service.

Today, the Sangh Parivar exerts significant influence on Indian society and politics, with the BJP as the political face of the movement. The BJP, under leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, and more recently Narendra Modi, has risen to become the dominant political force in India, leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and forming the government in multiple terms since the late 1990s. The VHP continues its work in promoting Hindu religious values and reclaiming cultural sites, while the ABVP remains active on college campuses, shaping the political consciousness of young Indians. Despite its contributions, the Sangh Parivar has also faced criticism, particularly for its role in communal tensions, such as the 2002 Gujarat riots, and for promoting an exclusionary form of nationalism. However, the organization remains a powerful socio-political force, with a vast network of supporters both within India and abroad. Through its various wings, the RSS continues to emphasize character building and social service, aiming to create a cohesive society rooted in Hindu values while addressing contemporary challenges. Beyond the organizations mentioned, there are many more affiliated branches of the RSS, each dedicated to different aspects of society, illustrating the comprehensive reach of the Sangh Parivar across all dimensions of Indian life.