| Summary/Abstract |
This paper examines the emergence of paramilitary and volunteer movements in interwar British India. These organisations emerged largely in response to the political climate in India as well as developments elsewhere around the globe. The most notable amongst these was the emergence of fascism in Europe. We examine the politics and ideas of these organisations through two case studies: the Hindustani Seva Dal and the Khaksar Tehreek. Notwithstanding the many differences between the two, both groups were profoundly influenced by a broader fascist moment. In doing so, they embodied certain aspirations and anxieties that were characteristic of the interwar era. Through these case studies, then, we hope to provide some insights into a frequently overlooked aspect of the interwar period in British India.
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