RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat: Ancient Indians Spread Knowledge, Not Conquest

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday highlighted that ancient Indians played a significant role in spreading culture and scientific knowledge worldwide, without resorting to territorial conquest or forced religious conversions. His remarks came during the launch of the Arya Yug Vishay Kosh encyclopedia in Mumbai, an event that celebrated India's historical contributions to global civilization.

Speaking at the event, Bhagwat emphasized that India's ancestors traveled across continents-from Mexico to Siberia-carrying teachings of science, spirituality, and ethical living. According to him, these journeys were marked by goodwill, knowledge-sharing, and a message of unity rather than domination. He contrasted this with later historical periods when foreign invaders plundered India and enslaved its people. "The last of them looted the minds of Indians, making them forget their civilizational strengths," he remarked, pointing to the erosion of indigenous knowledge and pride caused by centuries of foreign rule.

Bhagwat underscored that spiritual knowledge continues to thrive in India, with descendants of Aryavrat demonstrating strength, faith, and scientific understanding. He highlighted that historically, the Indian ethos was built on sadhbhavna (goodwill) and universal oneness, focusing on moral and spiritual influence rather than coercion or conversion.

The RSS chief's statement aligns with his previous speeches in 2025, where he repeatedly stressed that India historically led the world through intellectual, technological, and cultural advancements, while maintaining a non-impositional approach to governance, trade, and religion. According to Bhagwat, the Indian approach to civilization prioritized learning, ethical conduct, and knowledge-sharing over conquest, which distinguished India from many contemporary civilizations.

Experts note that such perspectives resonate with ongoing discussions about India's soft power and cultural influence on global history. By emphasizing the peaceful dissemination of knowledge and spiritual wisdom, Bhagwat sought to reinforce the narrative of India as a civilization that influenced the world through ideas, innovation, and ethical principles rather than military domination.

Bhagwat's remarks thus provide a reflective look at India's past, reinforcing the notion that the country's civilizational strength lay in its intellectual and cultural achievements, which continue to inform its identity today.