From Frontier to the Heartland: A Century of Sangh Parivar in the Northeast

At the far end of our eastern lands, the sisters are often misunderstood, misread, and misinterpreted. Cradling distinctive and deep-rooted diversities, the hills are home to some of the most heterogenous identities in the country, making it one of the hardest regions to navigate in terms of national integration. The region has experienced all shades of violence—and deafening silences—through its turbulent history, and has rarely known peace. Across its vast geographical expanse, it has witnessed women and men, organizations and nationalities, and colonial and sovereign powers attempt to interact with the population in their own unique ways. While much of the present literature discusses the evolution and journeys of several key players in the region, one organization’s story has remained under wraps. From Frontiers to the Heartland: A Century of Sangh Parivar in the Northeast is an attempt to change that. Through this work, authors Rouhin Deb and Nabaarun Barooah offer an eye-opening exploration of the Sangh Parivar’s century-long journey in Northeast India. Drawing from oral narratives, stories and first-hand research, the book delves into how the Sangh Parivar, often viewed as a force of centralization, has navigated the region’s rich cultural mosaic to bridge the socio-cultural, political and religious divides. From the spread of Christianity during British rule to post-Independence struggles related to the Emergency, illegal immigration, ethnic militancy and regionalism, the Sangh’s journey is a testament to its adaptability and resilience. Over time, it has successfully carved a niche for itself in the region, and dominates the political narrative today.