Sangh

Sangh is a term derived from Sanskrit sangha meaning assembly, group, or association. In modern South Asian usage, it is commonly part of the name of organized groups that emphasize a common faith, culture, or social purpose. The word appears in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and secular contexts to denote communities, societies, or unions formed around shared aims.

One of the best-known uses in contemporary history is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS is a volunteer organization that aims to promote Hindu cultural values and social service. It operates through a nationwide network of local chapters, known as shakhas, and a system of volunteers. While the RSS is not a political party, it has historically influenced public life in India through affiliated organizations and institutions, including cultural, educational, and charitable efforts, as well as political backing through partnerships with other groups.

In religious contexts, the term sangha often refers to the community of practitioners. In Buddhism, the sangha denotes the community of ordained monks and nuns and, in many traditions, all devout practitioners; it is one of the Three Jewels. In Jainism, sangh can denote the monastic order or the organized lay community that supports religious practice and study.

Beyond specific organizations, sangh is widely used in many Indian languages to name associations or societies—such as cultural, religious, or social groups—formed around a shared purpose or activity.

See also: Sangha.