Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh began on the 27th of September 1925 in Nagpur, British India. K. B. Hedgewar established the group with a specific goal to provide character training and instil Hindu discipline among its members.
Since its formation in 1925, the RSS opposed the independence movement against British rule in India because it kept the organisation free from direct affiliation with political groups fighting colonial authority. M. S. Golwalkar continued this policy of isolation from anti-British activities after becoming leader in 1940.
The first ban occurred in Punjab Province on the 24th of January 1947 under Malik Khizar Hayat Tiwana and was lifted four days later on the 28th of January 1947. A second significant ban followed after Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, an RSS member, on the 30th of January 1948, leading the government to ban the entire organisation on the 4th of February 1948.
The organisation aims to spread the ideology of Hindutva to strengthen the Hindu community and uphold Indian culture while considering Hindus inclusive of Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, tribals, untouchables, Veerashaivism, Arya Samaj, and Ramakrishna Mission. The movement has been accused of intolerance towards minorities, particularly Muslims, and views Muslims, Christians, and the British as foreign bodies implanted in the Hindu nation.
The RSS transitioned from a cultural body to political influence through the Jana Sangh and Bharatiya Janata Party. Under pressure from swayamsevaks, Golwalkar approved entering politics and met Syama Prasad Mukherjee to endorse senior swayamsevaks like Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the newly formed Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh does not have any formal membership records but is estimated to have around 4 million members as of 2024. Mohan Bhagwat currently serves as the Sarsanghchalak chief since 2009 while Dattatreya Hosabale holds the post of Sarkaryavah general secretary since 2021.