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RSS Chief: India's 2-Lakh-Year-Old Civilisation Rooted in Tribal Culture

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that human civilisation in India is approximately two lakh years old, with its core unity remaining intact despite changes over time. He addressed the Janjati Samvad Karyakram in Ranchi, linking the origins of Sanatan Dharma to forest life and agriculture. Bhagwat emphasised that tribal communities, or Adivasis, are the foundational roots of India's religion and culture. He also firmly rejected the notion that tribal societies lack religious traditions, affirming their ancient and continuous practices of worship.

Key Points: RSS Chief on India's 2-Lakh-Year-Old Civilisation & Tribal Roots

  • Civilisation 2 lakh years old
  • Core unity remains intact
  • Roots in Sanatan Dharma
  • Tribal communities as foundation
  • Rejects idea tribals lack religion
2 min read

"India's civilisation is 2 lakh years old, but its unity remains intact": RSS Chief at Janjati Samvad Karyakram

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says Indian civilisation is 2 lakh years old, with its unity intact and roots in tribal communities and Sanatan Dharma.

"The people whom we call Adivasis (tribals) are the foundational roots of our religion and culture. - Mohan Bhagwat"

Ranchi, January 24

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that human civilisation in India is approximately two lakh years old, has undergone many changes in its culture and practices; however, its core unity and continuity have remained intact.

The RSS Chief was addressing the Janjati Samvad Karyakram in Ranchi, where he spoke at length on the origins of Indian civilisation, Sanatan Dharma and the role of tribal communities in shaping the country's cultural and religious traditions.

"What is the history of civilisation in our country, the history of humanity? New findings are now emerging which suggest that it is about 200,000 years old. In this long span, the forms and practices have changed over time and it is natural that as time changes, outward expressions also change. But the unity with which we began has remained intact till today; that is our history," Mohan Bhagwat said.

He noted that the terms "Hindu" and "Hindu religion" came into use much later and that their roots lie in Sanatan Dharma, which he described as eternal in nature. Bhagwat said that when one traces the origins of Sanatan Dharma, its foundations are found in forest life and agriculture, highlighting the central role of tribal communities in India's civilisational journey.

"So, how did what we today call 'Hindu' or 'Hindu religion' begin? The name 'Hindu' came much later; the religion is Sanatan (eternal). But when we search for how Sanatan Dharma itself emerged, we find its roots in forests and agriculture. In other words, the people whom we call Adivasis (tribals) are the foundational roots of our religion and culture. To search for the roots of the Vedas, we have to go there," he said.

The RSS chief also rejected the notion that tribal communities lack religious traditions. He said worship and the ideas behind it have existed since ancient times and continue to thrive among tribal societies even today.

"Even today, among India's tribal societies, the many forms of religion and the many systems of thought that exist to say that they have no religion is completely wrong. 'Religion' means worship, and worship has been practised since ancient times. The ideas and beliefs behind worship have also continued from that very period," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the sentiment of unity, the claim of a 2 lakh year old continuous civilisation is a huge historical claim. I'd be interested to see the "new findings" he's referring to. Academic consensus is important alongside cultural pride.
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Priya S
Yes! Finally someone in a position of influence is saying this clearly. Our tribal brothers and sisters are not separate from "mainstream" Hindu culture; they *are* the source. Their traditions, forest wisdom, and connection to nature form the very core of Sanatan Dharma. Jai Adivasi! 🌿
R
Rohit P
The core message is beautiful – our unity has survived millennia of change. Whether it's 2000 years or 200,000, the idea that the essence of India remains constant is powerful. This gives me hope for our future as well.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the intent to include tribal heritage is good, we must be careful. Equating all diverse Adivasi faiths and practices entirely with Sanatan Dharma might oversimplify their unique identities. Recognition should not become assimilation.
M
Michael C
As an outsider living here, the continuity of Indian culture is astounding. You can see ancient patterns in modern festivals, art, and even social structures. This speech touches on something very real about this country's resilience.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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