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Mahatma Gandhi

By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 6, 2019 | Original: July 30, 2010

Revered the world over for his nonviolent philosophy of passive resistance, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was known to his many followers as Mahatma, or “the great-souled one.” He began his activism as an Indian immigrant in South Africa in the early 1900s, and in the years following World War I became the leading figure in India’s struggle to gain independence from Great Britain. Known for his ascetic lifestyle–he often dressed only in a loincloth and shawl–and devout Hindu faith, Gandhi was imprisoned several times during his pursuit of non-cooperation, and undertook a number of hunger strikes to protest the oppression of India’s poorest classes, among other injustices. After Partition in 1947, he continued to work toward peace between Hindus and Muslims. Gandhi was shot to death in Delhi in January 1948 by a Hindu fundamentalist.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, at Porbandar, in the present-day Indian state of Gujarat. His father was the dewan (chief minister) of Porbandar; his deeply religious mother was a devoted practitioner of Vaishnavism (worship of the Hindu god Vishnu), influenced by Jainism, an ascetic religion governed by tenets of self-discipline and nonviolence. At the age of 19, Mohandas left home to study law in London at the Inner Temple, one of the city’s four law colleges. Upon returning to India in mid-1891, he set up a law practice in Bombay, but met with little success. He soon accepted a position with an Indian firm that sent him to its office in South Africa. Along with his wife, Kasturbai, and their children, Gandhi remained in South Africa for nearly 20 years.

Did you know? In the famous Salt March of April-May 1930, thousands of Indians followed Gandhi from Ahmadabad to the Arabian Sea. The march resulted in the arrest of nearly 60,000 people, including Gandhi himself.

Gandhi was appalled by the discrimination he experienced as an Indian immigrant in South Africa. When a European magistrate in Durban asked him to take off his turban, he refused and left the courtroom. On a train voyage to Pretoria, he was thrown out of a first-class railway compartment and beaten up by a white stagecoach driver after refusing to give up his seat for a European passenger. That train journey served as a turning point for Gandhi, and he soon began developing and teaching the concept of satyagraha (“truth and firmness”), or passive resistance, as a way of non-cooperation with authorities.

The Birth of Passive Resistance

In 1906, after the Transvaal government passed an ordinance regarding the registration of its Indian population, Gandhi led a campaign of civil disobedience that would last for the next eight years. During its final phase in 1913, hundreds of Indians living in South Africa, including women, went to jail, and thousands of striking Indian miners were imprisoned, flogged and even shot. Finally, under pressure from the British and Indian governments, the government of South Africa accepted a compromise negotiated by Gandhi and General Jan Christian Smuts, which included important concessions such as the recognition of Indian marriages and the abolition of the existing poll tax for Indians.

In July 1914, Gandhi left South Africa to return to India. He supported the British war effort in World War I but remained critical of colonial authorities for measures he felt were unjust. In 1919, Gandhi launched an organized campaign of passive resistance in response to Parliament’s passage of the Rowlatt Acts, which gave colonial authorities emergency powers to suppress subversive activities. He backed off after violence broke out–including the massacre by British-led soldiers of some 400 Indians attending a meeting at Amritsar–but only temporarily, and by 1920 he was the most visible figure in the movement for Indian independence.

Leader of a Movement

As part of his nonviolent non-cooperation campaign for home rule, Gandhi stressed the importance of economic independence for India. He particularly advocated the manufacture of khaddar, or homespun cloth, in order to replace imported textiles from Britain. Gandhi’s eloquence and embrace of an ascetic lifestyle based on prayer, fasting and meditation earned him the reverence of his followers, who called him Mahatma (Sanskrit for “the great-souled one”). Invested with all the authority of the Indian National Congress (INC or Congress Party), Gandhi turned the independence movement into a massive organization, leading boycotts of British manufacturers and institutions representing British influence in India, including legislatures and schools.

After sporadic violence broke out, Gandhi announced the end of the resistance movement, to the dismay of his followers. British authorities arrested Gandhi in March 1922 and tried him for sedition; he was sentenced to six years in prison but was released in 1924 after undergoing an operation for appendicitis. He refrained from active participation in politics for the next several years, but in 1930 launched a new civil disobedience campaign against the colonial government’s tax on salt, which greatly affected Indian’s poorest citizens.

A Divided Movement

In 1931, after British authorities made some concessions, Gandhi again called off the resistance movement and agreed to represent the Congress Party at the Round Table Conference in London. Meanwhile, some of his party colleagues–particularly Mohammed Ali Jinnah, a leading voice for India’s Muslim minority–grew frustrated with Gandhi’s methods, and what they saw as a lack of concrete gains. Arrested upon his return by a newly aggressive colonial government, Gandhi began a series of hunger strikes in protest of the treatment of India’s so-called “untouchables” (the poorer classes), whom he renamed Harijans, or “children of God.” The fasting caused an uproar among his followers and resulted in swift reforms by the Hindu community and the government.

In 1934, Gandhi announced his retirement from politics in, as well as his resignation from the Congress Party, in order to concentrate his efforts on working within rural communities. Drawn back into the political fray by the outbreak of World War II , Gandhi again took control of the INC, demanding a British withdrawal from India in return for Indian cooperation with the war effort. Instead, British forces imprisoned the entire Congress leadership, bringing Anglo-Indian relations to a new low point.

Partition and Death of Gandhi

After the Labor Party took power in Britain in 1947, negotiations over Indian home rule began between the British, the Congress Party and the Muslim League (now led by Jinnah). Later that year, Britain granted India its independence but split the country into two dominions: India and Pakistan. Gandhi strongly opposed Partition, but he agreed to it in hopes that after independence Hindus and Muslims could achieve peace internally. Amid the massive riots that followed Partition, Gandhi urged Hindus and Muslims to live peacefully together, and undertook a hunger strike until riots in Calcutta ceased.

In January 1948, Gandhi carried out yet another fast, this time to bring about peace in the city of Delhi. On January 30, 12 days after that fast ended, Gandhi was on his way to an evening prayer meeting in Delhi when he was shot to death by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu fanatic enraged by Mahatma’s efforts to negotiate with Jinnah and other Muslims. The next day, roughly 1 million people followed the procession as Gandhi’s body was carried in state through the streets of the city and cremated on the banks of the holy Jumna River.

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Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was the primary leader of India’s independence movement and also the architect of a form of non-violent civil disobedience that would influence the world. He was assassinated by Hindu extremist Nathuram Godse.

(1869-1948)

Who Was Mahatma Gandhi?

Mahatma Gandhi was the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement against British rule and in South Africa who advocated for the civil rights of Indians. Born in Porbandar, India, Gandhi studied law and organized boycotts against British institutions in peaceful forms of civil disobedience. He was killed by a fanatic in 1948.

Early Life and Education

Indian nationalist leader Gandhi (born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Kathiawar, India, which was then part of the British Empire.

Gandhi’s father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as a chief minister in Porbandar and other states in western India. His mother, Putlibai, was a deeply religious woman who fasted regularly.

Young Gandhi was a shy, unremarkable student who was so timid that he slept with the lights on even as a teenager. In the ensuing years, the teenager rebelled by smoking, eating meat and stealing change from household servants.

Although Gandhi was interested in becoming a doctor, his father hoped he would also become a government minister and steered him to enter the legal profession. In 1888, 18-year-old Gandhi sailed for London, England, to study law. The young Indian struggled with the transition to Western culture.

Upon returning to India in 1891, Gandhi learned that his mother had died just weeks earlier. He struggled to gain his footing as a lawyer. In his first courtroom case, a nervous Gandhi blanked when the time came to cross-examine a witness. He immediately fled the courtroom after reimbursing his client for his legal fees.

Gandhi’s Religion and Beliefs

Gandhi grew up worshiping the Hindu god Vishnu and following Jainism, a morally rigorous ancient Indian religion that espoused non-violence, fasting, meditation and vegetarianism.

During Gandhi’s first stay in London, from 1888 to 1891, he became more committed to a meatless diet, joining the executive committee of the London Vegetarian Society, and started to read a variety of sacred texts to learn more about world religions.

Living in South Africa, Gandhi continued to study world religions. “The religious spirit within me became a living force,” he wrote of his time there. He immersed himself in sacred Hindu spiritual texts and adopted a life of simplicity, austerity, fasting and celibacy that was free of material goods.

Gandhi in South Africa

After struggling to find work as a lawyer in India, Gandhi obtained a one-year contract to perform legal services in South Africa. In April 1893, he sailed for Durban in the South African state of Natal.

When Gandhi arrived in South Africa, he was quickly appalled by the discrimination and racial segregation faced by Indian immigrants at the hands of white British and Boer authorities. Upon his first appearance in a Durban courtroom, Gandhi was asked to remove his turban. He refused and left the court instead. The Natal Advertiser mocked him in print as “an unwelcome visitor.”

Nonviolent Civil Disobedience

A seminal moment occurred on June 7, 1893, during a train trip to Pretoria, South Africa, when a white man objected to Gandhi’s presence in the first-class railway compartment, although he had a ticket. Refusing to move to the back of the train, Gandhi was forcibly removed and thrown off the train at a station in Pietermaritzburg.

Gandhi’s act of civil disobedience awoke in him a determination to devote himself to fighting the “deep disease of color prejudice.” He vowed that night to “try, if possible, to root out the disease and suffer hardships in the process.”

From that night forward, the small, unassuming man would grow into a giant force for civil rights. Gandhi formed the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 to fight discrimination.

Gandhi prepared to return to India at the end of his year-long contract until he learned, at his farewell party, of a bill before the Natal Legislative Assembly that would deprive Indians of the right to vote. Fellow immigrants convinced Gandhi to stay and lead the fight against the legislation. Although Gandhi could not prevent the law’s passage, he drew international attention to the injustice.

After a brief trip to India in late 1896 and early 1897, Gandhi returned to South Africa with his wife and children. Gandhi ran a thriving legal practice, and at the outbreak of the Boer War, he raised an all-Indian ambulance corps of 1,100 volunteers to support the British cause, arguing that if Indians expected to have full rights of citizenship in the British Empire, they also needed to shoulder their responsibilities.

In 1906, Gandhi organized his first mass civil-disobedience campaign, which he called “Satyagraha” (“truth and firmness”), in reaction to the South African Transvaal government’s new restrictions on the rights of Indians, including the refusal to recognize Hindu marriages.

After years of protests, the government imprisoned hundreds of Indians in 1913, including Gandhi. Under pressure, the South African government accepted a compromise negotiated by Gandhi and General Jan Christian Smuts that included recognition of Hindu marriages and the abolition of a poll tax for Indians.

Return to India

In 1915 Gandhi founded an ashram in Ahmedabad, India, that was open to all castes. Wearing a simple loincloth and shawl, Gandhi lived an austere life devoted to prayer, fasting and meditation. He became known as “Mahatma,” which means “great soul.”

Opposition to British Rule in India

In 1919, with India still under the firm control of the British, Gandhi had a political reawakening when the newly enacted Rowlatt Act authorized British authorities to imprison people suspected of sedition without trial. In response, Gandhi called for a Satyagraha campaign of peaceful protests and strikes.

Violence broke out instead, which culminated on April 13, 1919, in the Massacre of Amritsar. Troops led by British Brigadier General Reginald Dyer fired machine guns into a crowd of unarmed demonstrators and killed nearly 400 people.

No longer able to pledge allegiance to the British government, Gandhi returned the medals he earned for his military service in South Africa and opposed Britain’s mandatory military draft of Indians to serve in World War I.

Gandhi became a leading figure in the Indian home-rule movement. Calling for mass boycotts, he urged government officials to stop working for the Crown, students to stop attending government schools, soldiers to leave their posts and citizens to stop paying taxes and purchasing British goods.

Rather than buy British-manufactured clothes, he began to use a portable spinning wheel to produce his own cloth. The spinning wheel soon became a symbol of Indian independence and self-reliance.

Gandhi assumed the leadership of the Indian National Congress and advocated a policy of non-violence and non-cooperation to achieve home rule.

After British authorities arrested Gandhi in 1922, he pleaded guilty to three counts of sedition. Although sentenced to a six-year imprisonment, Gandhi was released in February 1924 after appendicitis surgery.

He discovered upon his release that relations between India’s Hindus and Muslims devolved during his time in jail. When violence between the two religious groups flared again, Gandhi began a three-week fast in the autumn of 1924 to urge unity. He remained away from active politics during much of the latter 1920s.

Gandhi and the Salt March

Gandhi returned to active politics in 1930 to protest Britain’s Salt Acts, which not only prohibited Indians from collecting or selling salt—a dietary staple—but imposed a heavy tax that hit the country’s poorest particularly hard. Gandhi planned a new Satyagraha campaign, The Salt March , that entailed a 390-kilometer/240-mile march to the Arabian Sea, where he would collect salt in symbolic defiance of the government monopoly.

“My ambition is no less than to convert the British people through non-violence and thus make them see the wrong they have done to India,” he wrote days before the march to the British viceroy, Lord Irwin.

Wearing a homespun white shawl and sandals and carrying a walking stick, Gandhi set out from his religious retreat in Sabarmati on March 12, 1930, with a few dozen followers. By the time he arrived 24 days later in the coastal town of Dandi, the ranks of the marchers swelled, and Gandhi broke the law by making salt from evaporated seawater.

The Salt March sparked similar protests, and mass civil disobedience swept across India. Approximately 60,000 Indians were jailed for breaking the Salt Acts, including Gandhi, who was imprisoned in May 1930.

Still, the protests against the Salt Acts elevated Gandhi into a transcendent figure around the world. He was named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” for 1930.

Gandhi was released from prison in January 1931, and two months later he made an agreement with Lord Irwin to end the Salt Satyagraha in exchange for concessions that included the release of thousands of political prisoners. The agreement, however, largely kept the Salt Acts intact. But it did give those who lived on the coasts the right to harvest salt from the sea.

Hoping that the agreement would be a stepping-stone to home rule, Gandhi attended the London Round Table Conference on Indian constitutional reform in August 1931 as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress. The conference, however, proved fruitless.

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Protesting "Untouchables" Segregation

Gandhi returned to India to find himself imprisoned once again in January 1932 during a crackdown by India’s new viceroy, Lord Willingdon. He embarked on a six-day fast to protest the British decision to segregate the “untouchables,” those on the lowest rung of India’s caste system, by allotting them separate electorates. The public outcry forced the British to amend the proposal.

After his eventual release, Gandhi left the Indian National Congress in 1934, and leadership passed to his protégé Jawaharlal Nehru . He again stepped away from politics to focus on education, poverty and the problems afflicting India’s rural areas.

India’s Independence from Great Britain

As Great Britain found itself engulfed in World War II in 1942, Gandhi launched the “Quit India” movement that called for the immediate British withdrawal from the country. In August 1942, the British arrested Gandhi, his wife and other leaders of the Indian National Congress and detained them in the Aga Khan Palace in present-day Pune.

“I have not become the King’s First Minister in order to preside at the liquidation of the British Empire,” Prime Minister Winston Churchill told Parliament in support of the crackdown.

With his health failing, Gandhi was released after a 19-month detainment in 1944.

After the Labour Party defeated Churchill’s Conservatives in the British general election of 1945, it began negotiations for Indian independence with the Indian National Congress and Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s Muslim League. Gandhi played an active role in the negotiations, but he could not prevail in his hope for a unified India. Instead, the final plan called for the partition of the subcontinent along religious lines into two independent states—predominantly Hindu India and predominantly Muslim Pakistan.

Violence between Hindus and Muslims flared even before independence took effect on August 15, 1947. Afterwards, the killings multiplied. Gandhi toured riot-torn areas in an appeal for peace and fasted in an attempt to end the bloodshed. Some Hindus, however, increasingly viewed Gandhi as a traitor for expressing sympathy toward Muslims.

Gandhi’s Wife and Kids

At the age of 13, Gandhi wed Kasturba Makanji, a merchant’s daughter, in an arranged marriage. She died in Gandhi’s arms in February 1944 at the age of 74.

In 1885, Gandhi endured the passing of his father and shortly after that the death of his young baby.

In 1888, Gandhi’s wife gave birth to the first of four surviving sons. A second son was born in India 1893. Kasturba gave birth to two more sons while living in South Africa, one in 1897 and one in 1900.

Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi

On January 30, 1948, 78-year-old Gandhi was shot and killed by Hindu extremist Nathuram Godse, who was upset at Gandhi’s tolerance of Muslims.

Weakened from repeated hunger strikes, Gandhi clung to his two grandnieces as they led him from his living quarters in New Delhi’s Birla House to a late-afternoon prayer meeting. Godse knelt before the Mahatma before pulling out a semiautomatic pistol and shooting him three times at point-blank range. The violent act took the life of a pacifist who spent his life preaching nonviolence.

Godse and a co-conspirator were executed by hanging in November 1949. Additional conspirators were sentenced to life in prison.

Even after Gandhi’s assassination, his commitment to nonviolence and his belief in simple living — making his own clothes, eating a vegetarian diet and using fasts for self-purification as well as a means of protest — have been a beacon of hope for oppressed and marginalized people throughout the world.

Satyagraha remains one of the most potent philosophies in freedom struggles throughout the world today. Gandhi’s actions inspired future human rights movements around the globe, including those of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States and Nelson Mandela in South Africa.

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QUICK FACTS

• Name: Mahatma Gandhi
• Birth Year: 1869
• Birth date: October 2, 1869
• Birth City: Porbandar, Kathiawar
• Birth Country: India
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Mahatma Gandhi was the primary leader of India’s independence movement and also the architect of a form of non-violent civil disobedience that would influence the world. Until Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, his life and teachings inspired activists including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
• Civil Rights
• Astrological Sign: Libra
• University College London
• Samaldas College at Bhavnagar, Gujarat
• Nacionalities
• Interesting Facts
• As a young man, Mahatma Gandhi was a poor student and was terrified of public speaking.
• Gandhi formed the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 to fight discrimination.
• Gandhi was assassinated by Hindu extremist Nathuram Godse, who was upset at Gandhi’s tolerance of Muslims.
• Gandhi's non-violent civil disobedience inspired future world leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
• Death Year: 1948
• Death date: January 30, 1948
• Death City: New Delhi
• Death Country: India

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CITATION INFORMATION

• Article Title: Mahatma Gandhi Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: The Biography.com website
• Url: https://www.biography.com/political-figures/mahatma-gandhi
• Access Date:
• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: September 4, 2019
• Original Published Date: April 3, 2014
• An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
• Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.
• Religions are different roads converging to the same point. What does it matter that we take different roads, so long as we reach the same goal? In reality, there are as many religions as there are individuals.
• The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
• To call woman the weaker sex is a libel; it is man's injustice to woman.
• Truth alone will endure, all the rest will be swept away before the tide of time.
• A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.
• There are many things to do. Let each one of us choose our task and stick to it through thick and thin. Let us not think of the vastness. But let us pick up that portion which we can handle best.
• An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it.
• For one man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. Life is one indivisible whole.
• If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children.

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• Mahatma Gandhi Biography and Political Career

Biography of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of Nation)

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi , more popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi . His birth place was in the small city of Porbandar in Gujarat (October 2, 1869 - January 30, 1948). Mahatma Gandhi's father's name was Karamchand Gandhi, and his mother's name was Putlibai Gandhi. He was a politician, social activist, Indian lawyer, and writer who became the prominent Leader of the nationwide surge movement against the British rule of India. He came to be known as the Father of The Nation. October 2, 2023, marks Gandhi Ji’s 154th birth anniversary , celebrated worldwide as International Day of Non-Violence, and Gandhi Jayanti in India.

Gandhi Ji was a living embodiment of non-violent protests (Satyagraha) to achieve independence from the British Empire's clutches and thereby achieve political and social progress. Gandhi Ji is considered ‘The Great Soul’ or ‘ The Mahatma ’ in the eyes of millions of his followers worldwide. His fame spread throughout the world during his lifetime and only increased after his demise. Mahatma Gandhi , thus, is the most renowned person on earth.

Education of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi's education was a major factor in his development into one of the finest persons in history. Although he attended a primary school in Porbandar and received awards and scholarships there, his approach to his education was ordinary. Gandhi joined Samaldas College in Bhavnagar after passing his matriculation exams at the University of Bombay in 1887.

Gandhiji's father insisted he become a lawyer even though he intended to be a docto. During those days, England was the centre of knowledge, and he had to leave Smaladas College to pursue his father's desire. He was adamant about travelling to England despite his mother's objections and his limited financial resources.

Finally, he left for England in September 1888, where he joined Inner Temple, one of the four London Law Schools. In 1890, he also took the matriculation exam at the University of London.

When he was in London, he took his studies seriously and joined a public speaking practice group. This helped him get over his nervousness so he could practise law. Gandhi had always been passionate about assisting impoverished and marginalised people.

Mahatma Gandhi During His Youth

Gandhi was the youngest child of his father's fourth wife. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the dewan Chief Minister of Porbandar, the then capital of a small municipality in western India (now Gujarat state) under the British constituency.

Gandhi's mother, Putlibai, was a pious religious woman.Mohandas grew up in Vaishnavism, a practice followed by the worship of the Hindu god Vishnu, along with a strong presence of Jainism, which has a strong sense of non-violence.Therefore, he took up the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence towards all living beings), fasting for self-purification, vegetarianism, and mutual tolerance between the sanctions of various castes and colours.

His adolescence was probably no stormier than most children of his age and class. Not until the age of 18 had Gandhi read a single newspaper. Neither as a budding barrister in India nor as a student in England nor had he shown much interest in politics. Indeed, he was overwhelmed by terrifying stage fright each time he stood up to read a speech at a social gathering or to defend a client in court.

In London, Gandhiji's vegetarianism missionary was a noteworthy occurrence. He became a member of the executive committee in joined the London Vegetarian Society. He also participated in several conferences and published papers in its journal. Gandhi met prominent Socialists, Fabians, and Theosophists like Edward Carpenter, George Bernard Shaw, and Annie Besant while dining at vegetarian restaurants in England.

Political Career of Mahatma Gandhi

When we talk about Mahatma Gandhi’s political career, in July 1894, when he was barely 25, he blossomed overnight into a proficient campaigner . He drafted several petitions to the British government and the Natal Legislature signed by hundreds of his compatriots. He could not prevent the passage of the bill but succeeded in drawing the attention of the public and the press in Natal, India, and England to the Natal Indian's problems.

He still was persuaded to settle down in Durban to practice law and thus organised the Indian community. The Natal Indian Congress was founded in 1894, and he became the unwearying secretary. He infused a solidarity spirit in the heterogeneous Indian community through that standard political organisation. He gave ample statements to the Government, Legislature, and media regarding Indian Grievances.

Finally, he got exposed to the discrimination based on his colour and race, which was pre-dominant against the Indian subjects of Queen Victoria in one of her colonies, South Africa.

Mahatma Gandhi spent almost 21 years in South Africa. But during that time, there was a lot of discrimination because of skin colour. Even on the train, he could not sit with white European people. But he refused to do so, got beaten up, and had to sit on the floor. So he decided to fight against these injustices, and finally succeeded after a lot of struggle.

It was proof of his success as a publicist that such vital newspapers as The Statesman, Englishman of Calcutta (now Kolkata) and The Times of London editorially commented on the Natal Indians' grievances.

In 1896, Gandhi returned to India to fetch his wife, Kasturba (or Kasturbai), their two oldest children, and amass support for the Indians overseas. He met the prominent leaders and persuaded them to address the public meetings in the centre of the country's principal cities.

Unfortunately for him, some of his activities reached Natal and provoked its European population. Joseph Chamberlain, the colonial secretary in the British Cabinet, urged Natal's government to bring the guilty men to proper jurisdiction, but Gandhi refused to prosecute his assailants. He said he believed the court of law would not be used to satisfy someone's vendetta.

Political Teacher of Mahatma Gandhi

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was one of the prominent political teachers and mentors of Mahatma Gandhi. Gokhale, a renowned Indian nationalist leader, played a significant role in shaping Gandhi's political ideology and approach to leadership. He emphasized the importance of nonviolence, constitutional methods, and constructive work in achieving social and political change. Gandhi referred to Gokhale as his political guru and credited him with influencing many of his principles and strategies in the Indian freedom struggle. Gokhale's teachings and guidance had a profound impact on Gandhi's development as a leader and advocate for India's independence.

Death of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi's death was a tragic event and brought clouds of sorrow to millions of people. On the 29th of January, a man named Nathuram Godse came to Delhi with an automatic pistol. About 5 pm in the afternoon of the next day, he went to the Gardens of Birla house, and suddenly, a man from the crowd came out and bowed before him.

Then Godse fired three bullets at his chest and stomach, who was Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was in such a posture that he to the ground. During his death, he uttered: “Ram! Ram!” Although someone could have called the doctor in this critical situation during that time, no one thought of that, and Gandhiji died within half an hour.

How Shaheed Day is Celebrated at Gandhiji’s Samadhi (Raj Ghat)?

As Gandhiji died on January 30, the government of India declared this day as ‘Shaheed Diwas’.

On this day, the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, and the Defence Minister every year gather at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat memorial in Delhi to pay tribute to Indian martyrs and Mahatma Gandhi, followed by a two-minute silence.

On this day, many schools host events where students perform plays and sing patriotic songs. Martyrs' Day is also observed on March 23 to honour the lives and sacrifices of Sukhdev Thapar, Shivaram Rajguru, and Bhagat Singh.

Gandhi believed it was his duty to defend India's rights. Mahatma Gandhi had a significant role in attaining India's independence from the British. He had an impact on many individuals and locations outside India. Gandhi also influenced Martin Luther King, and as a result, African-Americans now have equal rights. Peacefully winning India's independence, he altered the course of history worldwide.

FAQs on Mahatma Gandhi Biography and Political Career

1. What was people's reaction after Nathuram Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi?

When Nathuram Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi, people shouted to kill Nathuram. After killing Mahatma Gandhi, Nathuram Godse tried to kill himself but could not do so since the police seized his weapons and took him to jail. After that, Gandhiji's body was laid in the garden with a white cloth covered on his face. All the lights were turned off in honour of him. Then on the radio, honourable Prime minister Pandit Nehru Ji declared sadly that the Nation's Father was no more.

2. How vegetarianism impacted Mahatma Gandhi’s time in London?

During the three years he spent in England, he was in a great dilemma with personal and moral issues rather than academic ambitions.

The sudden transition from Porbandar's half-rural atmosphere to London's cosmopolitan life was not an easy task for him. And he struggled powerfully and painfully to adapt himself to Western food, dress, and etiquette, and he felt awkward.

His vegetarianism became a continual source of embarrassment and was like a curse to him; his friends warned him that it would disrupt his studies, health, and well-being. Fortunately, he came across a vegetarian restaurant and a book providing a well-defined defence of vegetarianism.

His missionary zeal for vegetarianism helped draw the pitifully shy youth out of his shell and gave him a new and robust personality. He also became a member of the London Vegetarian Society executive committee, contributing articles to its journal and attending conferences.

3. Who was the first person to write a biography of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of The Nation)?

Christian missionary Joseph Doke had written the first biography of Bapu. The best part is that Gandhiji had still not acquired the status of Mahatma when this biography was written.

4. Who was Gandhiji’s favorite writer?

Gandhiji’s favorite writer was Leo Tolstoy.

5. What is Mahatma Gandhi’s date of birth?

Mahatma Gandhi's date of birth is October 2, 1869. We celebrate every year on October 2nd as Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.

6. Which are the famous Mahatma Gandhi books?

Mahatma Gandhi authored several influential books and writings that have left a lasting impact on the world. Some of his famous books include:

Autobiography

Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule

Satyagraha in South Africa

Young India

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Mahatma Gandhi Biography

Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent Indian political leader who was a leading figure in the campaign for Indian independence. He employed non-violent principles and peaceful disobedience as a means to achieve his goal. He was assassinated in 1948, shortly after achieving his life goal of Indian independence. In India, he is known as ‘Father of the Nation’.

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it–always.”

Short Biography of Mahatma Gandhi

Around this time, he also studied the Bible and was struck by the teachings of Jesus Christ  – especially the emphasis on humility and forgiveness. He remained committed to the Bible and Bhagavad Gita throughout his life, though he was critical of aspects of both religions.

Gandhi in South Africa

On completing his degree in Law, Gandhi returned to India, where he was soon sent to South Africa to practise law. In South Africa, Gandhi was struck by the level of racial discrimination and injustice often experienced by Indians. In 1893, he was thrown off a train at the railway station in Pietermaritzburg after a white man complained about Gandhi travelling in first class. This experience was a pivotal moment for Gandhi and he began to represent other Indias who experienced discrimination. As a lawyer he was in high demand and soon he became the unofficial leader for Indians in South Africa. It was in South Africa that Gandhi first experimented with campaigns of civil disobedience and protest; he called his non-violent protests satyagraha . Despite being imprisoned for short periods of time, he also supported the British under certain conditions. During the Boer war, he served as a medic and stretcher-bearer. He felt that by doing his patriotic duty it would make the government more amenable to demands for fair treatment. Gandhi was at the Battle of Spion serving as a medic. An interesting historical anecdote, is that at this battle was also Winston Churchill and Louis Botha (future head of South Africa) He was decorated by the British for his efforts during the Boer War and Zulu rebellion.

Gandhi and Indian Independence

After 21 years in South Africa, Gandhi returned to India in 1915. He became the leader of the Indian nationalist movement campaigning for home rule or Swaraj .

Gandhi also encouraged his followers to practise inner discipline to get ready for independence. Gandhi said the Indians had to prove they were deserving of independence. This is in contrast to independence leaders such as Aurobindo Ghose , who argued that Indian independence was not about whether India would offer better or worse government, but that it was the right for India to have self-government.

Gandhi also clashed with others in the Indian independence movement such as Subhas Chandra Bose who advocated direct action to overthrow the British.

Gandhi frequently called off strikes and non-violent protest if he heard people were rioting or violence was involved.

In 1930, Gandhi led a famous march to the sea in protest at the new Salt Acts. In the sea, they made their own salt, in violation of British regulations. Many hundreds were arrested and Indian jails were full of Indian independence followers.

“With this I’m shaking the foundations of the British Empire.”

– Gandhi – after holding up a cup of salt at the end of the salt march.

However, whilst the campaign was at its peak some Indian protesters killed some British civilians, and as a result, Gandhi called off the independence movement saying that India was not ready. This broke the heart of many Indians committed to independence. It led to radicals like Bhagat Singh carrying on the campaign for independence, which was particularly strong in Bengal.

In 1931, Gandhi was invited to London to begin talks with the British government on greater self-government for India, but remaining a British colony. During his three month stay, he declined the government’s offer of a free hotel room, preferring to stay with the poor in the East End of London. During the talks, Gandhi opposed the British suggestions of dividing India along communal lines as he felt this would divide a nation which was ethnically mixed. However, at the summit, the British also invited other leaders of India, such as BR Ambedkar and representatives of the Sikhs and Muslims. Although the dominant personality of Indian independence, he could not always speak for the entire nation.

Gandhi’s humour and wit

During this trip, he visited King George in Buckingham Palace, one apocryphal story which illustrates Gandhi’s wit was the question by the king – what do you think of Western civilisation? To which Gandhi replied

“It would be a good idea.”

Gandhi wore a traditional Indian dress, even whilst visiting the king. It led Winston Churchill to make the disparaging remark about the half naked fakir. When Gandhi was asked if was sufficiently dressed to meet the king, Gandhi replied

“The king was wearing clothes enough for both of us.”

Gandhi once said he if did not have a sense of humour he would have committed suicide along time ago.

Gandhi and the Partition of India

After the war, Britain indicated that they would give India independence. However, with the support of the Muslims led by Jinnah, the British planned to partition India into two: India and Pakistan. Ideologically Gandhi was opposed to partition. He worked vigorously to show that Muslims and Hindus could live together peacefully. At his prayer meetings, Muslim prayers were read out alongside Hindu and Christian prayers. However, Gandhi agreed to the partition and spent the day of Independence in prayer mourning the partition. Even Gandhi’s fasts and appeals were insufficient to prevent the wave of sectarian violence and killing that followed the partition.

Away from the politics of Indian independence, Gandhi was harshly critical of the Hindu Caste system. In particular, he inveighed against the ‘untouchable’ caste, who were treated abysmally by society. He launched many campaigns to change the status of untouchables. Although his campaigns were met with much resistance, they did go a long way to changing century-old prejudices.

At the age of 78, Gandhi undertook another fast to try and prevent the sectarian killing. After 5 days, the leaders agreed to stop killing. But ten days later Gandhi was shot dead by a Hindu Brahmin opposed to Gandhi’s support for Muslims and the untouchables.

Gandhi and Religion

Gandhi was a seeker of the truth.

“In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.”

Gandhi said his great aim in life was to have a vision of God. He sought to worship God and promote religious understanding. He sought inspiration from many different religions: Jainism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and incorporated them into his own philosophy.

On several occasions, he used religious practices and fasting as part of his political approach. Gandhi felt that personal example could influence public opinion.

“When every hope is gone, ‘when helpers fail and comforts flee,’ I find that help arrives somehow, from I know not where. Supplication, worship, prayer are no superstition; they are acts more real than the acts of eating, drinking, sitting or walking. It is no exaggeration to say that they alone are real, all else is unreal.”

– Gandhi Autobiography – The Story of My Experiments with Truth

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan . “ Biography of Mahatma Gandhi” , Oxford, UK.  www.biographyonline.net 12th Jan 2011. Last updated 1 Feb 2020.

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• Nehru Biography

He stood out in his time in history. Non violence as he practised it was part of his spiritual learning usedvas a political tool. How can one say he wasn’t a good lawyer or he wasn’t a good leader when he had such a following and he was part of the negotiations thar brought about Indian Independance? I just dipped into this ti find out about the salt march.:)

• February 09, 2019 9:31 AM
• By Lakmali Gunawardena

mahatma gandhi was a good person but he wasn’t all good because when he freed the indian empire the partition grew between the muslims and they fought .this didn’t happen much when the british empire was in control because muslims and hindus had a common enemy to unite against.

I am not saying the british empire was a good thing.

• January 01, 2019 3:24 PM
• By marcus carpenter

Dear very nice information Gandhi ji always inspired us thanks a lot.

• October 01, 2018 1:40 PM

FATHER OF NATION

• June 03, 2018 8:34 AM

Gandhi was a lawyer who did not make a good impression as a lawyer. His success and influence was mediocre in law religion and politics. He rose to prominence by chance. He was neither a good lawyer or a leader circumstances conspired at a time in history for him to stand out as an astute leader both in South Africa and in India. The British were unable to control the tidal wave of independence in all the countries they ruled at that time. Gandhi was astute enough to seize the opportunity and used non violence as a tool which had no teeth but caused sufficient concern for the British to negotiate and hand over territories which they had milked dry.

• February 09, 2018 2:30 PM
• By A S Cassim

By being “astute enough to seize the opportunity” and not being pushed down/ defeated by an Empire, would you agree this is actually the reason why Gandhi made a good impression as a leader? Also, despite his mediocre success and influence as you mentioned, would you agree the outcome of his accomplishments are clearly a demonstration he actually was relevant to law, religion and politics?

• November 23, 2018 12:45 AM

Culture History

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was a key leader in India’s struggle for independence against British rule. He is renowned for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, advocating civil disobedience as a powerful force for social and political change. Gandhi’s efforts played a pivotal role in India gaining independence in 1947. He is often referred to as the “Father of the Nation” in India.

Early Life and Education

Mahatma Gandhi’s early life and education laid the foundation for his transformative journey as a leader of India’s struggle for independence. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in the state of Gujarat, India, Gandhi was named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. His birth into a modest family of the Vaishya, or business caste, was characterized by a strong influence of religious and moral values.

Gandhi’s father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as the diwan, or chief minister, of Porbandar. Despite his official position, Karamchand was known for his simplicity and integrity. These traits left a lasting impression on the young Gandhi, instilling in him a sense of duty and a commitment to truthfulness from an early age. Gandhi’s mother, Putlibai, was deeply religious and played a significant role in shaping his spiritual development.

Growing up in a devout Hindu household, Gandhi was exposed to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, and other religious texts. The concept of ahimsa, or nonviolence, was ingrained in his upbringing, setting the stage for the principles that would later define his philosophy of resistance. His early exposure to the Jain principle of ‘live and let live’ also contributed to the formation of his nonviolent worldview.

In 1876, at the age of six, Gandhi entered primary school. A reserved and somewhat timid child, he struggled with the early years of formal education. His difficulties in expressing himself verbally and his fear of public speaking marked the beginning of a personal journey to overcome these challenges, ultimately leading him to become one of the most influential communicators in history.

At the age of thirteen, Gandhi was married to Kasturba Makhanji, also known as Ba. This early marriage was a common practice in his community, and Gandhi and Kasturba would go on to have four children together. This aspect of Gandhi’s life reflected the traditions and societal norms prevalent in 19th-century India.

In 1888, at the age of 18, Gandhi left India to pursue legal studies in London. This marked a significant departure from his cultural and familial environment, exposing him to Western thought and lifestyle. Studying law was not merely a career choice for Gandhi; it was a means to gain a deeper understanding of justice and to empower himself to address the injustices he would later encounter.

His time in London was transformative, not only academically but also culturally and spiritually. Gandhi embraced vegetarianism and delved into various religious and philosophical texts, including the Bible and works by Tolstoy and Thoreau. It was during this period that he developed a keen interest in social and political issues, setting the stage for his future activism.

After completing his legal studies, Gandhi faced a dilemma. He was offered a position to practice law in London, but he chose a different path. In 1893, Gandhi accepted an offer to work in South Africa, setting the stage for a pivotal chapter in his life. Little did he know that his experiences in South Africa would shape his philosophy of resistance and pave the way for his leadership in India’s struggle for independence.

Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa were marked by the harsh realities of racial discrimination. His confrontation with the deeply entrenched prejudices against Indians, particularly in the province of Natal, became a catalyst for his activism. The incident on a train journey from Durban to Pretoria, where he was ejected from a first-class compartment due to his skin color, became a turning point. This injustice fueled Gandhi’s resolve to fight against racial discrimination through nonviolent means.

In 1894, Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress in South Africa, aimed at addressing the rights and grievances of the Indian community. Over the next two decades, he led numerous campaigns against discriminatory laws such as the Asiatic Registration Act, which required all Indians to register and carry passes. These early struggles in South Africa laid the groundwork for the development of his philosophy of Satyagraha, or truth-force.

The concept of Satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and nonviolence in confronting injustice. It was not merely a political strategy but a way of life for Gandhi. This philosophy, influenced by his deep spiritual convictions, formed the core of his approach to social and political change.

Gandhi’s early activism in South Africa brought him into contact with a diverse array of people, both Indian and non-Indian, who would become instrumental in shaping his understanding of humanity and justice. The struggles in South Africa also honed his skills as a leader and strategist, setting the stage for his return to India in 1915 as a seasoned activist and leader.

South Africa Years

Mahatma Gandhi’s years in South Africa were transformative, laying the groundwork for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and shaping his identity as a leader. Arriving in South Africa in 1893 to work as a lawyer, Gandhi’s initial experiences were marked by the harsh realities of racial discrimination, sparking a personal and political awakening.

Gandhi’s first significant confrontation with discrimination occurred during a train journey from Durban to Pretoria in 1893. Despite holding a first-class ticket, he was ejected from the compartment due to his Indian heritage. This incident became a catalyst for his activism, prompting him to challenge the unjust treatment of Indians in South Africa.

In response to the discriminatory laws targeting the Indian community, Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894. This organization became a platform for advocating the rights of Indians and opposing oppressive legislation. One of the early campaigns led by Gandhi was against the Asiatic Registration Act of 1906, which required all Indians, including women and children, to register and carry passes at all times. This marked the beginning of Gandhi’s engagement in civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance.

Gandhi’s approach to activism in South Africa was rooted in his evolving philosophy of Satyagraha. The term, meaning “truth-force” or “soul-force,” encapsulated his belief in the transformative power of nonviolence and the pursuit of truth. Satyagraha became more than a political tool; it was a way of life for Gandhi, emphasizing moral courage, self-discipline, and a commitment to justice.

The year 1906 proved to be a pivotal moment in Gandhi’s South African journey. In protest against the oppressive Asiatic Registration Act, he organized a gathering of Indians in Johannesburg. During this meeting, he introduced the practice of taking a collective vow to resist unjust laws through nonviolent means. This marked the formal inception of Satyagraha as a method of protest.

Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence was further tested during the Bambatha Rebellion in 1906. The British colonial authorities called on Indians to assist in suppressing the Zulu uprising, a request that Gandhi initially supported. However, as the violence escalated, he realized the contradiction between advocating nonviolence and participating in armed conflict. This realization deepened his commitment to the principles of Satyagraha.

The years in South Africa also saw Gandhi’s emergence as a leader who transcended narrow communal boundaries. He recognized the need for unity among different racial and religious groups facing oppression. Gandhi’s efforts extended beyond the Indian community, as he sought alliances with other marginalized groups, including black South Africans. His engagement with various communities laid the foundation for his later endeavors to bridge religious and ethnic divides in India.

Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha gained international attention during the Indian community’s struggle against the repressive Transvaal Asiatic Ordinance in 1908. Through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers protested the imposition of fingerprinting and registration. The campaign garnered support not only within South Africa but also from sympathizers worldwide, marking Gandhi’s emergence as a global figure.

As Gandhi’s influence grew, he faced challenges and opposition from both the British authorities and some members of the Indian community. His commitment to nonviolence and truth often clashed with the prevailing attitudes and expectations. However, Gandhi’s unwavering conviction and personal sacrifices, including imprisonment, solidified his position as a symbol of resistance.

The culmination of Gandhi’s efforts in South Africa was the conclusion of negotiations with the British government in 1914. The agreement, known as the Gandhi–Smuts Agreement, marked a significant victory for the Indian community, securing certain rights and recognition. Having achieved his objectives, Gandhi decided to return to India in 1915, bringing with him the lessons and principles forged during his years in South Africa.

Philosophy of Nonviolence (Ahimsa)

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, or Ahimsa, stands as one of the most influential and enduring contributions to the principles of social and political change. Rooted in ancient Indian philosophies, particularly Jainism and Hinduism, Gandhi elevated Ahimsa to a guiding force in his life and activism. This philosophy went beyond mere abstention from physical violence; it encompassed a profound commitment to truth, love, and the pursuit of justice.

Ahimsa, in its broadest sense, is the principle of avoiding harm or violence to any living being, both in thought and action. For Gandhi, it was not just a moral principle but a dynamic force capable of transforming individuals and societies. His interpretation of Ahimsa went beyond the passive avoidance of violence; it involved active engagement in the pursuit of justice through nonviolent means.

The roots of Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence can be traced back to his childhood and upbringing. Growing up in a devout Hindu household, he was exposed to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which extolled the virtues of selfless action and the renunciation of the fruits of one’s actions. The Gita also emphasized the concept of Dharma, or righteous duty, which played a pivotal role in shaping Gandhi’s understanding of ethical behavior.

Gandhi’s engagement with Jainism, particularly its emphasis on nonviolence and the interconnectedness of all life, further deepened his commitment to Ahimsa. The Jain principle of ‘live and let live’ resonated with him, laying the groundwork for the expansive scope of his philosophy. Gandhi’s interpretation of Ahimsa was not limited to personal conduct; it extended to social, economic, and political realms.

The practical application of Gandhi’s philosophy began during his years in South Africa, where he confronted racial discrimination and injustice. The incident on a train in 1893, when he was forcibly removed from a first-class compartment due to his Indian heritage, marked a turning point. Instead of responding with violence or hatred, Gandhi chose to resist the injustice through nonviolent means. This event planted the seed of his philosophy of Satyagraha, which became synonymous with his broader commitment to Ahimsa.

Satyagraha, meaning “truth-force” or “soul-force,” was Gandhi’s method of nonviolent resistance. It involved the pursuit of truth through nonviolence, emphasizing the transformative power of love and compassion. Central to Satyagraha was the idea that the opponent is not an enemy to be defeated but a person with whom one seeks understanding and reconciliation.

Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence manifested in various campaigns and movements, each designed to challenge oppressive systems and bring about positive change. The Champaran and Kheda movements in India, where he championed the cause of indigo farmers and peasants affected by crop failure, respectively, showcased his commitment to social justice through nonviolent action. In both cases, he urged the people to resist injustice peacefully, promoting the idea that the power of truth and nonviolence could overcome the might of oppressive regimes.

The Salt March of 1930 became an iconic demonstration of Gandhi’s philosophy in action. In protest against the British monopoly on salt, Gandhi led a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea, symbolically producing salt from seawater. The act, while seemingly minor, highlighted the broader issues of colonial exploitation and economic injustice. The Salt March exemplified the power of nonviolent resistance to mobilize people, capture global attention, and inspire similar movements worldwide.

Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence extended beyond the political sphere to encompass personal and interpersonal relationships. His commitment to Ahimsa influenced his lifestyle choices, including vegetarianism, and his advocacy for simplicity and self-sufficiency. Gandhi believed that individuals should strive to align their lives with the principles of nonviolence, fostering harmony with both humanity and the natural world.

The concept of “Sarvodaya,” meaning the welfare of all, was another expression of Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence. He envisioned a society where the well-being of every individual was considered, emphasizing social and economic equality. The pursuit of Sarvodaya required a rejection of violence and exploitation in all its forms, urging people to live in harmony and mutual respect.

Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence faced challenges and criticisms, both from within and outside the independence movement. Some questioned the efficacy of nonviolence in the face of brutal repression, while others argued that it was an impractical ideal. Gandhi acknowledged the difficulties but remained steadfast in his belief that nonviolence was not a sign of weakness but a potent force capable of transforming societies.

The Quit India movement of 1942 marked another crucial moment for Gandhi’s philosophy. As the call for immediate independence echoed, he emphasized nonviolent non-cooperation as the means to achieve it. The movement faced severe repression from the British authorities, leading to the arrest of Gandhi and many other Congress leaders. The sacrifices made during this period underscored the resilience and enduring power of nonviolence as a force for change.

Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence was not limited to political activism; it sought to address the root causes of conflict and injustice. His efforts to unite Hindus and Muslims, as well as his advocacy for the rights of the untouchables (Dalits), demonstrated a commitment to social harmony and inclusivity. Gandhi believed that true nonviolence required addressing the underlying prejudices and inequalities within society.

In the aftermath of India’s independence in 1947, Gandhi continued to advocate for communal harmony and worked towards preventing the violence that accompanied the partition. His commitment to nonviolence was tested in the face of deep-rooted religious animosities, and he resorted to fasting as a means of urging people to embrace peace and unity.

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi’s conciliatory stance towards Muslims. Gandhi’s death was a tragic irony, as the apostle of nonviolence fell victim to violence. However, his legacy endured, inspiring subsequent generations of leaders and movements committed to nonviolent resistance.

Return to India and Nationalist Movement

Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India in 1915 marked a pivotal moment in the country’s struggle for independence and set the stage for his leadership in the nationalist movement. Having honed his skills and philosophy of nonviolence in South Africa, Gandhi brought a unique perspective and a steadfast commitment to Satyagraha, or truth-force, to the Indian political landscape. His return coincided with a time of heightened nationalist fervor, and Gandhi quickly emerged as a central figure in shaping the course of India’s fight against British colonial rule.

Upon his return, Gandhi was greeted by a country grappling with socio-economic challenges and aspirations for self-governance. The First World War had created economic hardships, and the demands for greater Indian participation in governance were growing louder. Gandhi’s initial foray into Indian politics involved addressing the issues of indigo farmers in Champaran and peasants in Kheda, where he applied his philosophy of nonviolent resistance to champion the causes of the oppressed.

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 saw Gandhi leading a campaign against the exploitative practices of British indigo planters. Through nonviolent protests and civil disobedience, he sought justice for the indigo farmers who were burdened with unfair taxation. The success of this movement not only improved the conditions of the farmers but also showcased the potential of nonviolent resistance in achieving social and economic justice.

Gandhi’s involvement in the Kheda Satyagraha later in 1918 further solidified his position as a leader committed to the welfare of the common people. In Kheda, he supported the peasants who were facing crop failures due to floods. Advocating for the waiver of land revenue, he used nonviolent means to draw attention to the plight of the farmers. The British administration, under the influence of his principled resistance, eventually relented, granting relief to the affected peasants.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 became a turning point that galvanized the Indian populace against British rule. The brutal killing of hundreds of unarmed civilians by British troops in Amritsar on April 13, 1919, shocked the nation and intensified the demand for self-rule. Gandhi, deeply disturbed by the massacre, called for a nationwide protest and non-cooperation with the British government.

The Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Gandhi in 1920 aimed at boycotting British institutions, courts, schools, and products. It represented a significant departure from conventional forms of political agitation, emphasizing nonviolence and non-cooperation as the means to achieve political objectives. Millions of Indians participated in the movement, making it a powerful expression of the collective will for independence.

However, in 1922, the Non-Cooperation Movement faced an abrupt end when a violent incident occurred in the town of Chauri Chaura. A group of protestors turned violent, resulting in the death of police officers. In response to the escalation of violence, Gandhi, true to his commitment to nonviolence, decided to call off the movement, acknowledging that the people were not yet fully prepared for the path of nonviolent resistance.

The suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement led to a period of reflection and strategic reevaluation for Gandhi. During this time, he delved into constructive programs aimed at socio-economic upliftment. He advocated for self-reliance, Khadi (hand-spun cloth), and the removal of untouchability. The emphasis on constructive work was not only a response to the setbacks in political agitation but also a reflection of Gandhi’s belief that true independence required the transformation of individuals and society.

In 1930, Gandhi launched one of the most iconic episodes of the nationalist movement—the Salt March. In protest against the British monopoly on salt, he embarked on a 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to the Arabian Sea, symbolically producing salt from seawater. The Salt March captured the imagination of the nation and the world, becoming a symbol of nonviolent resistance against unjust colonial laws.

The civil disobedience that accompanied the Salt March marked the beginning of the broader Civil Disobedience Movement. Indians across the country defied the salt laws, boycotted British goods, and refused to pay taxes. The movement, characterized by its nonviolent nature, aimed to exert economic and political pressure on the British government. Although it led to mass arrests, including that of Gandhi, and widespread repression, it significantly intensified the demand for independence.

The Round Table Conferences in London, held in 1930-1932, provided a platform for negotiations between Indian leaders and the British government. Gandhi, representing the Indian National Congress, attended the conferences with the hope of finding a constitutional solution for India’s future. However, the discussions failed to produce a consensus, and the gap between the Indian National Congress and the British government widened.

The Quit India movement of 1942 marked another crucial chapter in the nationalist movement. Frustrated by the failure of negotiations and inspired by the global context of World War II, Gandhi called for the immediate withdrawal of British colonial rule. The movement received widespread support, with millions participating in strikes, protests, and acts of civil disobedience. The British response was harsh, leading to the arrest of Gandhi and other Congress leaders.

The Quit India movement, while facing severe repression, demonstrated the resilience of the Indian people’s desire for freedom. It also highlighted the changing dynamics of global politics, with the British government recognizing the need for post-war reforms. The post-war period witnessed a weakened British Empire and a recognition that continued colonial rule was unsustainable.

India’s independence in 1947 was a culmination of decades of struggle, sacrifice, and determination. The partition of India into two independent nations, India and Pakistan, brought about communal tensions and mass migrations. Gandhi, deeply distressed by the communal violence, undertook fasts and walked through riot-torn areas, urging people to embrace peace and unity. His efforts were a testament to his commitment to inter-religious harmony and his belief in nonviolence as a means of resolving conflicts.

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi’s conciliatory stance towards Muslims. His death was a tragic end to a life dedicated to nonviolence and the pursuit of truth. However, Gandhi’s legacy endured, influencing global movements for civil rights and inspiring leaders committed to justice through peaceful means.

Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha

Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran and Kheda Satyagrahas during the early years of his return to India marked the beginning of his leadership in the country’s struggle for independence. These two movements were pivotal in shaping Gandhi’s approach to nonviolent resistance and establishing the foundations of Satyagraha as a potent force for social and economic justice.

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was Gandhi’s first major campaign in India. It unfolded in the Champaran district of Bihar, where indigo farmers faced oppressive conditions imposed by British indigo planters. The farmers were compelled to cultivate indigo on a portion of their land, a crop that yielded significant profits for the planters but left the farmers in abject poverty.

Gandhi’s involvement in Champaran was a response to the plight of these farmers, who were burdened with exorbitant taxes and forced labor. The British authorities had imposed the ‘Tinkathia’ system, requiring a certain portion of land to be dedicated to indigo cultivation. This system left the farmers with minimal land for their own sustenance, and they were often forced to grow indigo against their will.

Upon arriving in Champaran, Gandhi immersed himself in understanding the grievances of the indigo farmers. His approach was not confrontational but investigative, seeking to comprehend the issues at the grassroots level. He held meetings with the farmers, heard their stories, and documented the injustices they faced.

The Champaran Satyagraha, unlike conventional agitations, was characterized by its nonviolent and cooperative nature. Gandhi emphasized the importance of truth and nonviolence in confronting oppression. He urged the farmers to withhold payment of taxes and to resist the unjust demands peacefully. This approach was a precursor to Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, where the pursuit of truth through nonviolent means became a powerful tool for social and political change.

Gandhi’s call for nonviolent resistance in Champaran resonated with the masses. The farmers, inspired by his leadership and philosophy, began to withhold payments to the planters. The British authorities responded with arrests and legal action against Gandhi, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to nonviolence and the pursuit of justice.

The success of the Champaran Satyagraha was multi-faceted. Through negotiations and legal battles, Gandhi was able to secure concessions for the indigo farmers. The ‘Tinkathia’ system was abolished, and the farmers gained more control over their land. The Champaran movement showcased the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance in challenging oppressive policies and was a harbinger of Gandhi’s future campaigns.

Following the triumph in Champaran, Gandhi turned his attention to the Kheda district in Gujarat. The Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 was prompted by the economic distress faced by peasants due to crop failures and a devastating famine. The British administration, insensitive to the plight of the farmers, insisted on the collection of land revenue, exacerbating the suffering of the already distressed population.

In Kheda, Gandhi applied the lessons learned from Champaran, emphasizing nonviolent resistance and the power of collective action. He called for a boycott of the payment of land revenue as a form of protest against the unjust policies of the British government. The movement gained momentum as peasants, both Hindu and Muslim, united under the banner of nonviolent resistance.

Gandhi’s approach in Kheda was characterized by constructive work alongside the Satyagraha. He encouraged villagers to focus on self-reliance, urging them to cultivate their own food and adopt measures to withstand the economic hardships imposed by the British policies. This emphasis on constructive work became a recurring theme in Gandhi’s philosophy, reflecting his belief that true independence required socio-economic transformation at the grassroots level.

The British administration, faced with the resilience of the Kheda Satyagrahis, entered into negotiations with Gandhi. Despite the severe economic conditions, the peasants stood firm in their commitment to nonviolence. Eventually, a settlement known as the ‘Kheda Pact’ was reached. The British agreed to suspend the collection of land revenue in Kheda for a year, providing much-needed relief to the distressed farmers.

The Champaran and Kheda Satyagrahas were instrumental in shaping Gandhi’s evolving philosophy of nonviolent resistance. These movements were not merely protests against specific grievances; they were experiments in the application of Satyagraha as a method of social and economic change. Gandhi’s emphasis on nonviolence, truth, and the empowerment of the oppressed became defining features of his leadership style.

The success of Champaran and Kheda also demonstrated the potential of nonviolent resistance in awakening the collective conscience of the masses. The movements were not driven by a desire for revenge or retaliation; rather, they sought to transform the oppressor by appealing to a shared sense of humanity and justice. This approach marked a departure from conventional forms of political agitation, setting Gandhi apart as a leader committed to principles that transcended mere political objectives.

The Champaran and Kheda Satyagrahas laid the groundwork for Gandhi’s subsequent involvement in larger national movements. The lessons learned from these early campaigns informed his strategies during the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India movement. The emphasis on nonviolence, constructive work, and the pursuit of truth became integral components of the broader struggle for India’s independence.

Non-Cooperation Movement

The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was a watershed moment in India’s struggle for independence. This movement marked a departure from conventional forms of political agitation, as it advocated nonviolent non-cooperation with British authorities as a means to achieve political objectives. The Non-Cooperation Movement, with its emphasis on nonviolence, mass participation, and constructive work, reshaped the dynamics of India’s fight against colonial rule.

The backdrop of the Non-Cooperation Movement was a nation disillusioned by the aftermath of World War I and seeking avenues for greater participation in governance. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed civilians in Amritsar, had intensified the demand for self-rule. The oppressive Rowlatt Act, enacted by the British government, further fueled resentment and discontent among Indians.

Mahatma Gandhi, who had already established himself as a leader during the Champaran and Kheda Satyagrahas, recognized the need for a more expansive and inclusive movement. The Non-Cooperation Movement was conceived as a response to the growing discontent and the desire for Indians to assert their rights. Gandhi believed that nonviolent non-cooperation would be a potent weapon to express popular discontent and compel the British government to address Indian demands for self-governance.

Launched on August 1, 1920, the Non-Cooperation Movement had a broad agenda. It called for the non-cooperation with British institutions, including educational, legislative, and administrative bodies. Indians were urged to boycott government schools, colleges, and offices. The movement also advocated the surrender of titles and honors bestowed by the British government, encouraging Indians to resign from government jobs and the army.

One of the central elements of the Non-Cooperation Movement was the boycott of foreign goods. Indians were asked to discard foreign-made clothes, especially British textiles, and embrace Khadi—the hand-spun, handwoven fabric symbolizing self-reliance and resistance to economic exploitation. The spinning wheel, or charkha, became an iconic symbol of the movement, representing the economic independence and self-sufficiency that Gandhi envisioned.

The call for nonviolent non-cooperation resonated across the length and breadth of the country. The movement garnered widespread support from various sections of society, cutting across religious, caste, and economic lines. The participation of women in large numbers also added a new dimension to the struggle for independence. The involvement of all segments of society reflected the inclusive nature of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

The mass participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement was particularly evident in the large-scale protests and demonstrations that swept across India. Millions took to the streets, expressing their refusal to cooperate with the British authorities. The movement provided a platform for ordinary Indians to voice their grievances and aspirations for self-rule. It demonstrated the power of collective nonviolent action in challenging the might of the British Empire.

One of the notable aspects of the Non-Cooperation Movement was its emphasis on nonviolence. Gandhi, committed to the philosophy of Satyagraha, believed that true freedom could only be achieved through nonviolent means. The movement aimed at transforming not just the political landscape but also the hearts and minds of the people. Nonviolence was not merely a tactical choice but a moral and spiritual imperative.

The movement faced its share of challenges and opposition. The British government responded with repression, arrests, and punitive measures. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, instances of violence did occur in some places, and clashes with the authorities took place. Gandhi, true to his commitment to nonviolence, would call off the movement if it deviated from its nonviolent principles.

One of the defining moments of the Non-Cooperation Movement was the incident at Chauri Chaura in 1922. A peaceful protest in the town turned violent, resulting in the death of police officers. Distraught by the violence, Gandhi decided to suspend the movement, realizing that the people were not yet fully prepared for the path of nonviolent resistance. This decision demonstrated Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to nonviolence and his refusal to compromise on its principles.

The suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement led to a period of reflection and strategic reevaluation for Gandhi. During this time, he focused on constructive programs aimed at socio-economic upliftment. The emphasis on Khadi, village industries, and self-reliance became integral components of Gandhi’s vision for an independent India. The constructive work aimed at transforming the lives of ordinary Indians and fostering a sense of self-respect and dignity.

While the Non-Cooperation Movement did not achieve its immediate political objectives, it had far-reaching consequences. The widespread participation in the movement brought Indians together across different regions and communities, fostering a sense of national unity. It laid the groundwork for future mass movements and instilled a spirit of self-confidence and empowerment among the people.

The Non-Cooperation Movement also left a lasting impact on the international stage. The sight of millions of Indians peacefully resisting colonial rule captured the attention of the global community. It inspired movements for independence and civil rights in various parts of the world. The principles of nonviolence and non-cooperation, championed by Gandhi, became a source of inspiration for leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

The Non-Cooperation Movement, though suspended, paved the way for subsequent phases of the independence struggle. It laid the foundation for the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India movement, both of which would further test the resilience of nonviolent resistance against British colonialism. The lessons learned from the Non-Cooperation Movement remained embedded in the ethos of India’s struggle for freedom.

Salt March and Civil Disobedience

The Salt March and the subsequent Civil Disobedience Movement, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in the early 1930s, stand as powerful episodes in India’s struggle for independence. These movements were characterized by their commitment to nonviolent resistance and their ability to mobilize mass participation. The Salt March, in particular, became an iconic symbol of defiance against British colonial rule, while the Civil Disobedience Movement expanded the scope of nonviolent protest, challenging oppressive laws and policies.

The Salt March, which commenced on March 12, 1930, was a response to the British monopoly on salt production and distribution. Salt was a basic commodity, and the British levied a heavy tax on its production and sale, disproportionately affecting the poorest sections of Indian society. Gandhi saw the salt tax as a symbol of economic exploitation and a clear instance of an unjust law that could be challenged through nonviolent means.

Gandhi, along with a small group of followers, embarked on a 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to the Arabian Sea in the coastal town of Dandi. The march itself was a deliberate and strategic act of civil disobedience, symbolizing the defiance of British laws. Along the way, the group grew in numbers as people joined the march, transforming it into a mass movement.

The Salt March was a visual spectacle that captured the imagination of the nation and the world. Gandhi, dressed in his simple loincloth and shawl, led a diverse group of marchers, including men and women from various backgrounds and regions. The march drew attention to the injustices faced by ordinary Indians and exemplified the power of nonviolent resistance.

Upon reaching Dandi on April 6, 1930, Gandhi and his followers ceremoniously defied the salt laws by picking up salt from the shores of the Arabian Sea. This symbolic act was replicated across the country as people began to make salt in violation of the British monopoly. The campaign urged Indians to reject British-made salt, boycott foreign goods, and participate in mass civil disobedience.

The Salt March and the subsequent salt-making protests had a profound impact on the Indian psyche. It united people from different walks of life, transcending barriers of caste, religion, and region. The British response was one of repression, with arrests and police action, but the movement continued to gather momentum.

The international community, too, took notice of the Salt March. The march and the civil disobedience campaign garnered sympathy and support from around the world. The simple act of making salt became a powerful symbol of resistance against colonial oppression, inspiring similar movements for civil rights and independence in other parts of the world.

The success of the Salt March lay not only in its ability to mobilize mass participation but also in its impact on the British administration. The campaign exposed the vulnerability of the colonial system to nonviolent resistance. The defiance of the salt laws, coupled with the widespread boycott of British goods, led to a significant economic impact. The British government, facing global scrutiny and internal dissent, was compelled to negotiate with Indian leaders.

The Round Table Conferences held in London between 1930 and 1932 provided a platform for discussions between Indian leaders and the British government. However, the negotiations did not yield substantial results, and the impasse intensified the demand for a more radical form of protest. The failure of the conferences laid the groundwork for the next phase of the independence movement—the Civil Disobedience Movement.

In 1932, Gandhi, along with other leaders, launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, which aimed to challenge specific laws and policies through nonviolent resistance. The movement urged Indians to refuse to obey certain laws, withhold taxes, and participate in acts of civil disobedience. Unlike the Non-Cooperation Movement of the early 1920s, the Civil Disobedience Movement targeted specific laws and policies rather than rejecting all cooperation with the British administration.

One of the prominent aspects of the Civil Disobedience Movement was the widespread defiance of the salt laws, reminiscent of the Salt March. Indians across the country violated the salt laws by making salt or buying contraband salt, leading to mass arrests. The movement also targeted other unjust laws, including those related to land revenue, forest laws, and taxes.

The Civil Disobedience Movement witnessed the active participation of various sections of society, including women. Women played a crucial role in the movement, breaking social norms and actively participating in acts of civil disobedience. The movement also emphasized the importance of constructive work, with an emphasis on Khadi and the promotion of village industries.

One of the most notable incidents during the Civil Disobedience Movement was the historic Dharasana Salt Satyagraha of 1930. Led by Sarojini Naidu and other leaders, a group of nonviolent protesters marched towards the Dharasana salt works in Gujarat. Despite facing brutal police baton charges, the marchers remained nonviolent, highlighting the moral force of their resistance. The incident drew global attention and intensified the pressure on the British government.

The Civil Disobedience Movement, like its predecessor, faced repression from the British authorities. Thousands were arrested, including prominent leaders. The movement also brought about internal debates within the Indian National Congress, with differing views on the extent of civil disobedience and the use of nonviolent methods. Despite these challenges, the movement continued to challenge the legitimacy of British rule.

In 1931, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India. The pact marked a temporary truce, with the British agreeing to release political prisoners and Indians agreeing to suspend civil disobedience. Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in London but returned dissatisfied with the lack of progress.

The years following the Civil Disobedience Movement witnessed a shift in the dynamics of the independence movement. The Poona Pact of 1932 addressed the issue of separate electorates for Dalits, a cause championed by B.R. Ambedkar. The government of India Act of 1935 introduced limited constitutional reforms, expanding provincial autonomy.

The outbreak of World War II in 1939 halted political negotiations and increased repression in India. In 1942, against the backdrop of the global conflict, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India movement, a mass protest demanding an end to British rule. The movement faced severe repression, and many leaders, including Gandhi, were arrested.

Round Table Conferences and Negotiations

Mahatma Gandhi’s role during the Round Table Conferences in the early 1930s marked a crucial phase in India’s quest for independence. These conferences, held in London, aimed to discuss constitutional reforms and the political future of India. Gandhi’s participation, especially in the Second Round Table Conference, brought attention to the complexities of India’s diverse political landscape and the challenges of reconciling conflicting demands for self-rule.

The Round Table Conferences were initiated by the British government as a response to the demands for constitutional reforms and increased Indian participation in decision-making processes. The failure of the Simon Commission, perceived as a British initiative without Indian representation, had intensified the call for a more inclusive approach. The three conferences, held in 1930-1932, sought to address key issues such as the structure of government, distribution of power, and the question of separate electorates.

The First Round Table Conference, held from November 1930 to January 1931, saw the absence of the Indian National Congress, the leading political force in India at the time. Gandhi and the Congress chose to boycott the conference, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of a clear agenda for self-rule. Despite this, representatives from various communities and princely states attended, discussing issues related to communal representation and constitutional reforms.

The Second Round Table Conference, convened from September to December 1931, witnessed the active participation of Mahatma Gandhi. The decision to invite Gandhi was a recognition of his significant influence in Indian politics and his ability to mobilize mass support. The conference aimed to build consensus on constitutional reforms, especially regarding communal representation, but deep-seated differences persisted.

Gandhi’s approach to the Second Round Table Conference was rooted in his commitment to nonviolence and the pursuit of truth. Prior to his departure for London, he negotiated with the British government and signed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931. The pact included the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement, the release of political prisoners, and an agreement to attend the conference. Gandhi’s interactions with Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald and other British leaders aimed to find common ground while upholding the principles of nonviolence.

During the conference, Gandhi presented the Congress’s viewpoint, advocating for a united India with dominion status and self-rule. He emphasized the need for a fair and just representation of all communities in the political structure. However, the central point of contention remained the issue of separate electorates, especially for Muslims. The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, staunchly defended separate electorates as a means to protect the political rights of Muslims.

The communal divide on the question of separate electorates posed a significant challenge to the proceedings. Despite efforts at negotiation and dialogue, a consensus proved elusive. Gandhi’s commitment to a united India clashed with the demands for communal representation, setting the stage for continued debates on the nature of political representation in a diverse and pluralistic society.

The failure to reach an agreement at the Second Round Table Conference highlighted the complexities of Indian politics and the deep-seated divisions on key issues. The communal question, exacerbated by competing demands for separate electorates, hindered progress toward a unified constitutional framework. The British government, faced with the lack of a comprehensive agreement, issued the White Paper in 1933, outlining proposals for constitutional reforms based on the discussions.

The Third Round Table Conference, held in November 1932, aimed to revisit the constitutional proposals and seek a final agreement. However, the absence of the Congress, which chose to boycott the conference once again, limited the effectiveness of the discussions. The Congress’s decision reflected ongoing dissatisfaction with the proposed reforms and the failure to address key issues.

Despite the challenges and limited success of the Round Table Conferences, Gandhi’s participation had far-reaching implications. His commitment to nonviolence, truth, and the pursuit of justice remained central to his interactions with British leaders. The principles of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, emphasizing nonviolence and dialogue, set the tone for the negotiations during the conferences.

Gandhi’s engagement with the British leadership also showcased the power of moral force in political negotiations. His interactions with Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald and others aimed to convey the moral imperative of India’s demand for self-rule. Gandhi’s insistence on a united India, free from communal divisions, reflected his vision of a pluralistic and inclusive nation.

The Round Table Conferences, while falling short of achieving a comprehensive agreement, contributed to the evolving discourse on India’s political future. The issues discussed laid the groundwork for the Government of India Act of 1935, which introduced some constitutional reforms, including provincial autonomy and a federal structure. However, the communal question remained unresolved, and the act did not fully meet the aspirations of various political groups.

Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, stands as one of the pivotal chapters in India’s struggle for independence. This mass protest marked a significant shift in the approach towards achieving freedom, with Gandhi calling for the immediate withdrawal of British colonial rule from India. The Quit India Movement, characterized by its nonviolent resistance and the active participation of millions of Indians, played a crucial role in hastening the end of British colonialism in India.

The backdrop of the Quit India Movement was the escalating turmoil of World War II. The war had drained the resources of the British Empire, and India, as a key colony, was expected to contribute significantly to the war effort. The British government, under pressure, sought Indian cooperation but was hesitant to grant India the self-governance it had been demanding for decades.

In this context, Mahatma Gandhi, frustrated by the lack of progress in negotiations with the British and inspired by the spirit of national unity, decided to launch the Quit India Movement. The demand for an immediate end to British rule became the rallying cry, and the movement aimed to achieve this goal through nonviolent means.

On August 8, 1942, Gandhi delivered the famous “Quit India” speech at the Gowalia Tank Maidan (now August Kranti Maidan) in Mumbai. In this historic address, he called on the Indian people to “Do or Die” in the cause of freedom. The speech outlined the reasons for launching the movement and emphasized the imperative of nonviolence in the struggle against British rule.

The Quit India Movement witnessed widespread participation from people across different regions, communities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The call for nonviolent resistance echoed throughout the country, leading to mass demonstrations, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. The movement gained momentum as people from various walks of life joined hands in the quest for immediate independence.

The British response to the Quit India Movement was swift and severe. Within hours of Gandhi’s speech, prominent leaders, including Gandhi himself, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and others, were arrested. The British authorities sought to crush the movement through mass arrests, censorship, and the use of force. However, the repression only fueled the determination of the Indian people to demand their right to self-rule.

One of the notable aspects of the Quit India Movement was the role of young leaders and students. Many young Indians, inspired by the call to “Do or Die,” actively participated in protests and demonstrations. Students played a crucial role in organizing strikes, rallies, and acts of civil disobedience. The youth, driven by a fervent desire for freedom, became a dynamic force within the movement.

The movement also witnessed the emergence of underground activities and parallel governments in some regions. With the established leadership in jail, local leaders and activists took charge, organizing protests, maintaining communication networks, and challenging the British administration. The underground resistance demonstrated the resilience of the Indian people in the face of adversity.

Despite the mass participation and the spirit of nonviolent resistance, the Quit India Movement faced challenges. The British government, intent on suppressing the movement, employed repressive measures, including curfews, arrests, and the use of force. The absence of key leaders, imprisoned at the outset of the movement, presented organizational challenges. The internal divisions among Indian political groups also posed obstacles to presenting a united front.

The Quit India Movement coincided with the global context of World War II, and the British government, preoccupied with the war effort, faced challenges in dealing with the intensifying unrest in India. The movement, coupled with the naval mutiny by Indian sailors, contributed to an atmosphere of widespread discontent.

As the movement gained momentum, the British government began to reassess its stance. Realizing the growing unpopularity of colonial rule and the need to focus on post-war reconstruction, the British authorities sought a way to defuse the situation. In 1942, the Cripps Mission, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, was sent to India with proposals for constitutional reforms. However, these proposals were met with skepticism and were ultimately rejected by both the Congress and the Muslim League.

The Quit India Movement, despite facing challenges and repression, left an indelible impact on the Indian political landscape. It demonstrated the power of mass mobilization and nonviolent resistance in challenging the might of the British Empire. The movement also brought to the forefront the aspirations of the Indian people for immediate independence, transcending the earlier demands for constitutional reforms.

As World War II progressed, the global situation prompted the British government to reassess its colonial policies. The need for Indian support during the war and the realization that maintaining control over India was increasingly untenable led to a shift in British attitudes. In 1945, the Labour government in Britain, led by Prime Minister Clement Attlee, began the process of decolonization.

The naval mutiny of 1946, known as the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, further underscored the disaffection among Indian forces. The mutiny, characterized by strikes and protests by Indian sailors, was a significant factor in convincing the British government that its hold on India was no longer sustainable.

The Quit India Movement, with its emphasis on immediate independence and nonviolent resistance, played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of India’s journey towards freedom. While the movement did not lead directly to the immediate exit of the British, it accelerated the process of decolonization and contributed to the eventual transfer of power in 1947.

Legacy and Global Influence

Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and global influence extend far beyond the boundaries of India. As a symbol of nonviolent resistance, moral leadership, and the pursuit of justice, Gandhi’s impact has reverberated across the world, inspiring movements for civil rights, freedom, and social change. His principles of truth, nonviolence (Ahimsa), and the pursuit of Swaraj (self-rule) have left an enduring mark on the collective consciousness of humanity.

Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, or Ahimsa, was a cornerstone of his approach to social and political change. Rooted in ancient Indian traditions, Ahimsa advocates for resolving conflicts through peaceful means and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings. Gandhi applied Ahimsa not only as a strategic tool in the struggle against British colonialism but also as a way of life. His commitment to nonviolence extended to personal conduct, interpersonal relations, and societal transformation.

The global influence of Gandhi’s philosophy is perhaps most evident in the civil rights movement in the United States . Figures like Martin Luther King Jr. drew inspiration from Gandhi’s teachings on nonviolence and applied them to the fight against racial segregation and discrimination. King, deeply moved by Gandhi’s principles, adopted nonviolent resistance as a guiding principle in the struggle for African American civil rights. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and other pivotal moments in the U.S. civil rights movement were deeply influenced by the Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence.

In a letter to his followers, King wrote, “While the Montgomery boycott was going on, India’s Gandhi was the guiding light of our technique of nonviolent social change.” The impact of Gandhi’s philosophy resonated not only with King but also with a generation of civil rights activists who recognized the moral force embedded in nonviolent resistance.

Gandhi’s influence also reached South Africa, where he spent a significant portion of his early adulthood. His experiences there, particularly during the struggle against discriminatory laws, shaped his commitment to nonviolence and his dedication to fighting injustice. Nelson Mandela , who would later lead South Africa out of apartheid, acknowledged Gandhi as a source of inspiration. Mandela’s commitment to reconciliation, forgiveness, and peaceful transition reflected the Gandhian values that had left an indelible mark on his worldview.

Beyond the realms of politics, Gandhi’s principles found resonance in various social justice movements and advocacy for human rights. His emphasis on the dignity of every individual, regardless of caste, creed, or color, provided a moral compass for those striving to create a more just and equitable world. The anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the global movements for equality and justice owe a debt to Gandhi’s teachings on human dignity and equality.

Gandhi’s influence also extended to environmental and sustainable living movements. His advocacy for simple living, self-reliance, and the use of local resources found echoes in the global environmental consciousness. The emphasis on Swadeshi (self-sufficiency) and sustainable practices became central tenets of the environmental movements that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century.

In the realm of international diplomacy, Gandhi’s legacy continued to inspire leaders and movements seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts. The Dalai Lama , the spiritual leader of Tibet, has expressed admiration for Gandhi’s philosophy, particularly his approach to conflict resolution through nonviolent means. The idea of resolving disputes through dialogue, understanding, and empathy has found resonance in various peace-building efforts globally.

The principles of Satyagraha, a term coined by Gandhi to describe the power of truth and nonviolent resistance, have influenced movements for democracy and human rights around the world. In Eastern Europe, during the late 20th century, activists against oppressive regimes drew inspiration from Gandhi’s methods. The Solidarity movement in Poland, for instance, embraced nonviolence as a means to challenge authoritarian rule.

In contemporary times, Gandhi’s legacy is invoked in movements advocating for social justice, democratic values, and freedom. His teachings are a source of strength for those confronting oppressive regimes, advocating for minority rights, and seeking to address systemic inequalities. The global resonance of slogans like “Be the change you wish to see in the world” reflects the enduring relevance of Gandhi’s ideas in shaping ethical leadership and personal responsibility.

In the realm of education, Gandhi’s philosophy has found its way into curricula, inspiring students to engage with ideas of justice, nonviolence, and social responsibility. His autobiography, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” continues to be a widely read and studied work that introduces new generations to his philosophy and life.

While Gandhi’s legacy has left an indelible mark, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of his ideas and their interpretation. Gandhi’s views on certain social issues, including caste and gender, have been critiqued for being conservative. The Gandhian approach to these issues is a subject of ongoing debate and reflection, underscoring the need to critically engage with historical figures and their ideas.

The global celebration of October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations is a testament to the enduring impact of Gandhi’s legacy. On this day, the world honors his commitment to nonviolence as a powerful means to address social, political, and economic challenges.

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Mahatma Gandhi Biography: From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon

Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi , was a prominent leader, political activist and spiritual guide in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions around the world, making him an icon of peace, nonviolence and social change. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll delve into various aspects of Mahatma Gandhi’s life, from his early days and remarkable achievements to his unique leadership style and profound influence on India’s history.

Mahatma Gandhi Biography

Mahatma Gandhi Early Life

First of all, let us trace the early life and background of Mahatma Gandhi . He was born on October 2, 1869, in the coastal city of Porbandar in present-day Gujarat, India. Gandhiji was from a simple family and his father was serving as the Chief Minister of the local princely state. As a young boy, he displayed an inclination towards truthfulness and moral values, which shaped the foundation of his character.

Achievements of Mahatma Gandhi

Second, the life of Mahatma Gandhi is replete with many achievements that shaped the course of India’s history. One of his most notable achievements was leading a non-violent civil disobedience movement against British colonial rule, known as the Salt March, which became a turning point in the fight for independence. Gandhi’s efforts also led to important reforms, such as the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Quit India Movement and the successful Dandi March, all of which contributed to India’s independence.

Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Style

Furthermore, Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership style was characterized by his unwavering commitment to truth, non-violence and self-discipline. He advocated “Satyagraha”, a unique philosophy of passive resistance where individuals peacefully protested against injustice and oppression. Gandhi believed that nonviolent resistance could bring about social change without resorting to violence, and he used this approach to organize the masses and challenge the British Raj.

Mahatma Gandhi nonviolent resistance

Furthermore, central to Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy was the principle of nonviolent resistance. He believed that love and compassion could overcome hatred and violence, leading to a more harmonious society. Gandhiji’s nonviolent protests and hunger strikes gained widespread attention and support, forcing the British to engage in negotiations, and eventually India’s independence in 1947.

Mahatma Gandhi’s impact on India

Another important aspect of Mahatma Gandhi’s life was his profound influence on the history and culture of India. His tireless efforts in advocating human rights, promoting social equality and upliftment of the oppressed classes left an indelible mark on the nation. Gandhi’s teachings influenced various leaders and movements around the world, including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

Continuing the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

Finally, Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy lives on today and continues to inspire generations for truth, non-violence and social justice. His unwavering commitment to these principles not only transformed India but also served as a guiding light for the global fight against oppression and injustice. As we reflect on his life, we can draw valuable lessons from Mahatma Gandhi’s journey and apply them to our own lives, creating a better and more compassionate world for all.

Q1: When and where was Mahatma Gandhi born?

A1: Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day Gujarat, India.

Q2: What is Mahatma Gandhi’s full name?

A2: Mahatma Gandhi’s full name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

Q3: What were Mahatma Gandhi’s early life and upbringing like?

A3: Mahatma Gandhi hailed from a modest family and displayed a penchant for truthfulness and moral values from a young age. His father served as a chief minister in the local princely state.

Q4: What significant role did Mahatma Gandhi play in India’s independence movement?

A4: Mahatma Gandhi led various nonviolent civil disobedience movements against British colonial rule, including the Salt March and the Quit India Movement, which played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence.

Q5: What is the philosophy of nonviolent resistance, and how did Gandhi use it in his activism?

A5: The philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or “Satyagraha,” was central to Gandhi’s approach. He believed that peaceful protests and passive resistance could bring about societal change without resorting to violence.

Q6: What were Mahatma Gandhi’s notable achievements during his lifetime?

A6: Some of Mahatma Gandhi’s notable achievements include leading India to independence, advocating for human rights, promoting social equality, and inspiring civil rights movements globally.

Q7: How did Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership style differ from other leaders of his time?

A7: Gandhi’s leadership style was characterized by his unwavering commitment to truth, nonviolence, and self-discipline, setting him apart from many other leaders who used force or aggression.

Q8: How did Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings influence other global leaders and movements?

A8: Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolent resistance inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, as well as civil rights movements in various parts of the world.

Q9: What were the major challenges faced by Mahatma Gandhi during his activism?

A9: Gandhi faced numerous challenges, including imprisonment, opposition from colonial authorities, and internal disagreements within the Indian National Congress.

Q10: How is Mahatma Gandhi remembered and celebrated today?

A10: Mahatma Gandhi is revered as the “Father of India” and is celebrated worldwide for his teachings on peace, nonviolence, and civil rights. His birthday, October 2, is observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.

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Biography of Mohandas Gandhi, Indian Independence Leader

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Mohandas Gandhi (October 2, 1869–January 30, 1948) was the father of the Indian independence movement. While fighting discrimination in South Africa, Gandhi developed satyagrah a, a nonviolent way of protesting injustice. Returning to his birthplace of India, Gandhi spent his remaining years working to end British rule of his country and to better the lives of India's poorest classes.

Fast Facts: Mohandas Gandhi

• Known For : Leader of India's independence movement
• Also Known As : Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Mahatma ("Great Soul"), Father of the Nation, Bapu ("Father"), Gandhiji
• Born : October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India
• Parents : Karamchand and Putlibai Gandhi
• Died : January 30, 1948 in New Delhi, India
• Education : Law degree, Inner Temple, London, England
• Published Works : Mohandas K. Gandhi, Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth , Freedom's Battle
• Spouse : Kasturba Kapadia
• Children : Harilal Gandhi, Manilal Gandhi, Ramdas Gandhi, Devdas Gandhi
• Notable Quote : "The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members."

Mohandas Gandhi was born October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, the last child of his father Karamchand Gandhi and his fourth wife Putlibai. Young Gandhi was a shy, mediocre student. At age 13, he married Kasturba Kapadia as part of an arranged marriage. She bore four sons and supported Gandhi's endeavors until her 1944 death.

In September 1888 at age 18, Gandhi left India alone to study law in London. He attempted to become an English gentleman, buying suits, fine-tuning his English accent, learning French, and taking music lessons. Deciding that was a waste of time and money, he spent the rest of his three-year stay as a serious student living a simple lifestyle.

Gandhi also adopted vegetarianism and joined the London Vegetarian Society, whose intellectual crowd introduced Gandhi to authors Henry David Thoreau and Leo Tolstoy . He also studied the "Bhagavad Gita," an epic poem sacred to Hindus. These books' concepts set the foundation for his later beliefs.

Gandhi passed the bar on June 10, 1891, and returned to India. For two years, he attempted to practice law but lacked the knowledge of Indian law and the self-confidence necessary to be a trial lawyer. Instead, he took on a year-long case in South Africa.

At 23, Gandhi again left his family and set off for the British-governed Natal province in South Africa in May 1893. After a week, Gandhi was asked to go to the Dutch-governed Transvaal province. When Gandhi boarded the train, railroad officials ordered him to move to the third-class car. Gandhi, holding first-class tickets, refused. A policeman threw him off the train.

As Gandhi talked to Indians in South Africa, he learned that such experiences were common. Sitting in the cold depot that first night of his trip, Gandhi debated returning to India or fighting the discrimination. He decided that he couldn't ignore these injustices.

Gandhi spent 20 years bettering Indians' rights in South Africa, becoming a resilient, potent leader against discrimination. He learned about Indian grievances, studied the law, wrote letters to officials, and organized petitions. On May 22, 1894, Gandhi established the Natal Indian Congress (NIC). Although it began as an organization for wealthy Indians, Gandhi expanded it to all classes and castes. He became a leader of South Africa's Indian community, his activism covered by newspapers in England and India.

In 1896 after three years in South Africa, Gandhi sailed to India to bring his wife and two sons back with him, returning in November. Gandhi's ship was quarantined at the harbor for 23 days, but the real reason for the delay was an angry mob of whites at the dock who believed Gandhi was returning with Indians who would overrun South Africa.

Gandhi sent his family to safety, but he was assaulted with bricks, rotten eggs, and fists. Police escorted him away. Gandhi refuted the claims against him but refused to prosecute those involved. The violence stopped, strengthening Gandhi's prestige.

Influenced by the "Gita," Gandhi wanted to purify his life by following the concepts of aparigraha  (nonpossession) and  samabhava  (equitability). A friend gave him "Unto This Last" by  John Ruskin , which inspired Gandhi to establish Phoenix Settlement, a community outside Durban, in June 1904. The settlement focused on eliminating needless possessions and living in full equality. Gandhi moved his family and his newspaper, the  Indian Opinion , to the settlement.

In 1906, believing that family life was detracting from his potential as a public advocate, Gandhi took the vow of  brahmacharya  (abstinence from sex). He simplified his vegetarianism to unspiced, usually uncooked foods—mostly fruits and nuts, which he believed would help quiet his urges.

Gandhi believed that his vow of  brahmacharya  allowed him the focus to devise the concept of  satyagraha  in late 1906. In the simplest sense,  satyagraha  is passive resistance, but Gandhi described it as "truth force," or natural right. He believed exploitation was possible only if the exploited and the exploiter accepted it, so seeing beyond the current situation provided power to change it.

In practice,  satyagraha  is nonviolent resistance to injustice. A person using satyagraha could resist injustice by refusing to follow an unjust law or putting up with physical assaults and/or confiscation of his property without anger. There would be no winners or losers; all would understand the "truth" and agree to rescind the unjust law.

Gandhi first organized satyagraha  against the Asiatic Registration Law, or Black Act, which passed in March 1907. It required all Indians to be fingerprinted and carry registration documents at all times. Indians refused fingerprinting and picketed documentation offices. Protests were organized, miners went on strike, and Indians illegally traveled from Natal to the Transvaal in opposition to the act. Many protesters, including Gandhi, were beaten and arrested. After seven years of protest, the Black Act was repealed. The nonviolent protest had succeeded.

After 20 years in South Africa, Gandhi returned to India. By the time he arrived, press reports of his South African triumphs had made him a national hero. He traveled the country for a year before beginning reforms. Gandhi found that his fame conflicted with observing conditions of the poor, so he wore a loincloth ( dhoti ) and sandals, the garb of the masses, during this journey. In cold weather, he added a shawl. This became his lifetime wardrobe.

Gandhi founded another communal settlement in Ahmadabad called Sabarmati Ashram. For the next 16 years, Gandhi lived there with his family.

He was also given the honorary title of Mahatma, or "Great Soul." Many credit Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, winner of the 1913 Nobel Prize for Literature, for awarding Gandhi this name. Peasants viewed Gandhi as a holy man, but he disliked the title because it implied he was special. He viewed himself as ordinary.

After the year ended, Gandhi still felt stifled because of World War I. As part of  satyagraha , Gandhi had vowed never to take advantage of an opponent's troubles. With the British in a major conflict, Gandhi couldn't fight them for Indian freedom. Instead, he used satyagraha  to erase inequities among Indians. Gandhi persuaded landlords to stop forcing tenant farmers to pay increased rent by appealing to their morals and fasted to convince mill owners to settle a strike. Because of Gandhi's prestige, people didn't want to be responsible for his death from fasting.

When the war ended, Gandhi focused on the fight for Indian self-rule ( swaraj ). In 1919, the British handed Gandhi a cause: the Rowlatt Act, which gave the British nearly free rein to detain "revolutionary" elements without trial. Gandhi organized a hartal (strike), which began on March 30, 1919. Unfortunately, the protest turned violent.

Gandhi ended the  hartal  once he heard about the violence, but more than 300 Indians had died and more than 1,100 were injured from British reprisals in the city of Amritsar.  Satyagraha  hadn't been achieved, but the Amritsar Massacre  fueled Indian opinions against the British. The violence showed Gandhi that the Indian people didn't fully believe in satyagraha . He spent much of the 1920s advocating for it and struggling to keep protests peaceful.

Gandhi also began advocating self-reliance as a path to freedom. Since the British established India as a colony, Indians had supplied Britain with raw fiber and then imported the resulting cloth from England. Gandhi advocated that Indians spin their own cloth, popularizing the idea by traveling with a spinning wheel, often spinning yarn while giving a speech. The image of the spinning wheel ( charkha ) became a symbol for independence.

In March 1922, Gandhi was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison for sedition. After two years, he was released following surgery to find his country embroiled in violence between Muslims and Hindus. When Gandhi began a 21-day fast still ill from surgery, many thought he would die, but he rallied. The fast created a temporary peace.

In December 1928, Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC) announced a challenge to the British government. If India wasn't granted Commonwealth status by December 31, 1929, they would organize a nationwide protest against British taxes. The deadline passed without change.

Gandhi chose to protest the British salt tax because salt was used in everyday cooking, even by the poorest. The Salt March began a nationwide boycott starting March 12, 1930, when Gandhi and 78 followers walked 200 miles from the Sabarmati Ashram to the sea. The group grew along the way, reaching 2,000 to 3,000. When they reached the coastal town of Dandi on April 5, they prayed all night. In the morning, Gandhi made a presentation of picking up a piece of sea salt from the beach. Technically, he had broken the law.

Thus began an endeavor for Indians to make salt. Some picked up loose salt on the beaches, while others evaporated saltwater. Indian-made salt soon was sold nationwide. Peaceful picketing and marches were conducted. The British responded with mass arrests.

Protesters Beaten

When Gandhi announced a march on the government-owned Dharasana Saltworks, the British imprisoned him without trial. Although they hoped Gandhi's arrest would stop the march, they underestimated his followers. The poet  Sarojini Naidu  led 2,500 marchers. As they reached the waiting police, the marchers were beaten with clubs. News of the brutal beating of peaceful protesters shocked the world.

British viceroy Lord Irwin met with Gandhi and they agreed on the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, which granted limited salt production and freedom for the protesters if Gandhi called off the protests. While many Indians believed that Gandhi hadn't gotten enough from the negotiations, he viewed it as a step toward independence.

Independence

After the success of the Salt March, Gandhi conducted another fast that enhanced his image as a holy man or prophet. Dismayed at the adulation, Gandhi retired from politics in 1934 at age 64. He came out of retirement five years later when the British viceroy announced, without consulting Indian leaders, that India would side with England during  World War II . This revitalized the Indian independence movement.

Many British parliamentarians realized they were facing mass protests and began discussing an independent India. Although Prime Minister  Winston Churchill  opposed losing India as a colony, the British announced in March 1941 that it would free India after World War II. Gandhi wanted independence sooner and organized a "Quit India" campaign in 1942. The British again jailed Gandhi.

Hindu-Muslim Conflict

When Gandhi was released in 1944, independence seemed near. Huge disagreements, however, arose between Hindus and Muslims. Because the majority of Indians were Hindu, Muslims feared losing political power if India became independent. The Muslims wanted six provinces in northwest India, where Muslims predominated, to become an independent country. Gandhi opposed partitioning India and tried to bring the sides together, but that proved too difficult even for the Mahatma.

Violence erupted; entire towns were burned. Gandhi toured India, hoping his presence could curb the violence. Although violence stopped where Gandhi visited, he couldn't be everywhere.

The British, seeing India headed for civil war, decided to leave in August 1947. Before leaving, they got the Hindus, against Gandhi's wishes, to agree to a  partition plan . On August 15, 1947, Britain granted independence to India and to the newly formed Muslim country of Pakistan.

Millions of Muslims marched from India to Pakistan, and millions of Hindus in Pakistan walked to India. Many refugees died from illness, exposure, and dehydration. As 15 million Indians became uprooted from their homes, Hindus and Muslims attacked each other.

Gandhi once again went on a fast. He would only eat again, he stated, once he saw clear plans to stop the violence. The fast began on January 13, 1948. Realizing that the frail, aged Gandhi couldn't withstand a long fast, the sides collaborated. On January 18, more than 100 representatives approached Gandhi with a promise for peace, ending his fast.

Not everyone approved of the plan. Some radical Hindu groups believed that India shouldn't have been partitioned, blaming Gandhi. On January 30, 1948, the 78-year-old Gandhi spent his day discussing issues. Just past 5 p.m., Gandhi began the walk, supported by two grandnieces, to the Birla House, where he was staying in New Delhi, for a prayer meeting. A crowd surrounded him. A young Hindu named Nathuram Godse stopped before him and bowed. Gandhi bowed back. Godse shot Gandhi three times. Although Gandhi had survived five other assassination attempts, he fell to the ground, dead.

Gandhi's concept of nonviolent protest attracted the organizers of numerous demonstrations and movements. Civil rights leaders, especially Martin Luther King Jr. , adopted Gandhi's model for their own struggles.

Research in the second half of the 20th century established Gandhi as a great mediator and reconciler, resolving conflicts between older moderate politicians and young radicals, political terrorists and parliamentarians, urban intelligentsia and rural masses, Hindus and Muslims, as well as Indians and British. He was the catalyst, if not the initiator, of three major revolutions of the 20th century: movements against colonialism, racism, and violence.

His deepest strivings were spiritual, but unlike many fellow Indians with such aspirations, he didn't retire to a Himalayan cave to meditate. Rather, he took his cave with him everywhere he went. And, he left his thoughts to posterity: His collected writings had reached 100 volumes by the early 21st century.

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April 12, 2024

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Short Bio » Civil Rights Leader » Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 to a Hindu Modh Baniya family in Porbandar (also known as Sudamapuri ), a coastal town on the Kathiawar Peninsula and then part of the small princely state of Porbandar in the Kathiawar Agency of the Indian Empire. Employing nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Gandhi famously led Indians in challenging the British-imposed salt tax with the 400 km (250 mi) Dandi Salt March in 1930, and later in calling for the British to Quit India in 1942. He was imprisoned for many years, upon many occasions, in both South Africa and India. One of Gandhi’s major strategies, first in South Africa and then in India, was uniting Muslims and Hindus to work together in opposition to British imperialism. In 1919–22 he won strong Muslim support for his leadership in the Khilafat Movement to support the historic Ottoman Caliphate. By 1924, that Muslim support had largely evaporated.

Time magazine named Gandhi the Man of the Year in 1930. Gandhi was also the runner-up to Albert Einstein as “Person of the Century” at the end of 1999. The Government of India awarded the annual Gandhi Peace Prize to distinguished social workers, world leaders and citizens. Nelson Mandela, the leader of South Africa’s struggle to eradicate racial discrimination and segregation, was a prominent non-Indian recipient. In 2011, Time magazine named Gandhi as one of the top 25 political icons of all time. Gandhi did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, although he was nominated five times between 1937 and 1948, including the first-ever nomination by the American Friends Service Committee, though he made the short list only twice, in 1937 and 1947.

Indians widely describe Gandhi as the father of the nation. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared Gandhi’s birthday 2 October as “the International Day of Nonviolence.

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Mahatma Gandhi: Biography, Beliefs, Religion

The biography of Mahatma Gandhi presents an intricate journey of a man deeply rooted in his beliefs and principles. His life story showcases a blend of spiritual, philosophical, and political endeavors that had profound impacts within and beyond religion. Across diverse contexts, Gandhi’s name resonates with notions of peace, nonviolence, and resilience. Dive into the comprehensive narrative of this influential figure and understand the ethos that defined his path.

Table of Contents

Biography Summary

Early Life and Education Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, and tragically died on January 30, 1948. A beacon of peace and nonviolence, Gandhi was an exemplary figure who battled colonial subjugation and heralded India’s independence from oppressive British rule. His unwavering dedication to nonviolent resistance was instrumental in inspiring movements for civil rights and freedom on a global scale.

South African Sojourn

In the coastal state of Gujarat, within a devout Hindu family, Gandhi’s roots were planted. His legal proficiency was honed at the Inner Temple, London, where he achieved his accolade of being called to the bar in June 1891 at the age of 22. Struggling to cultivate a successful law practice in India, Gandhi sought opportunities in South Africa in 1893, representing an Indian merchant in legal matters. South Africa became his home for 21 years, where he not only nurtured a family but also cultivated the strategy of nonviolent resistance as a weapon against injustice and discrimination.

Return to India and National Leadership

1915 marked his return to India, and at 45, Gandhi embarked on a mission to consolidate peasants, farmers, and laborers, championing causes against discrimination and excessive land tax. Steering the Indian National Congress in 1921, his leadership illuminated paths toward mitigating poverty, broadening women’s rights, fostering religious and ethnic harmony, and terminating untouchability. With the embodiment of swaraj or self-rule as his objective, Gandhi became a paragon of simplicity, adopting a lifestyle resonating with the underprivileged.

Defiance Against British Rule

In a defining moment of defiance against British rule, Gandhi spearheaded the 400 km Dandi Salt March in 1930, challenging the stringent British salt tax. His clarion call for the British to “Quit India” echoed through the nation in 1942. Despite numerous incarcerations in South Africa and India, Gandhi’s spirit remained unyielding.

Partition and the Struggle for Peace

As the winds of freedom began to blow across the Indian subcontinent in the early 1940s, they carried with them the storms of partition, driven by the burgeoning demand for a separate Muslim homeland. The twilight of British rule in August 1947 unfurled the dawn of independence, heralding the birth of India and Pakistan. A crucible of turbulence, upheaval, and religious animosity ensued, marring the euphoria of emancipation with the stains of violence and bloodshed.

Gandhi, who envisioned an India resonating with religious pluralism, became a crucible of solace and peace, endeavoring tirelessly to assuage the tempests of violence and discord. Embarking on several hunger strikes, his life became an epitome of sacrifice aimed at halting the horrific religious carnage. His journey, however, was tragically ended by the bullets of Nathuram Godse, a militant Hindu nationalist, on January 30, 1948.

Remembered and revered as the Father of the Nation in the tapestry of post-colonial India, Gandhi’s legacy is enshrined in his unyielding devotion to peace and nonviolence. The global canvas commemorates his birth on October 2 as Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Nonviolence, celebrating the luminary who illuminated pathways towards peace, tolerance, and harmony.

Early Life and Background

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town on the Kathiawar Peninsula in the then princely state of Porbandar, part of the Kathiawar Agency of the British Raj. He was born into a Gujarati Hindu Modh Bania family with a prominent status in the region. His father, Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi (1822–1885), held the esteemed Porbandar state’s dewan (chief minister) position, contributing actively to the governance and administration despite having a modest educational background.

The familial lineage of the Gandhis originated from Kutiana village in what was then the Junagadh State. Karamchand, Gandhi’s father, was particularly experienced in state administration, and his influential tenure included a remarriage with Putlibai (1844–1891), who became an essential figure in the family and Gandhi’s life. This union produced several children, with Mohandas being the youngest, born in a rather humble setting within the Gandhi family residence.

Childhood Influences and Education

Gandhi’s early years were marked by a blend of traditional Indian stories and diverse religious exposure, pivotal in shaping his moral compass and philosophical standings. His internalization of truth and love as supreme virtues was profoundly influenced by epic Indian classics, leaving an indelible mark on his conscience and thought processes. A salient feature of Gandhi’s upbringing was the eclectic religious atmosphere at home, rooted in Hindu traditions, enriched with teachings from various texts like the Bhagavad Gita, the Bhagavata Purana, and several others, offering him a well-rounded spiritual foundation.

A strategic relocation occurred in 1874 when Karamchand moved to Rajkot, assuming the role of a counselor to its ruler, ensuring a degree of security and prestige despite its lesser stature than Porbandar. Gandhi commenced his formal education in Rajkot, engaging in fundamental studies, including arithmetic, history, and the Gujarati language, at a school close to his residence. Furthering his education, he joined Alfred High School, where his academic journey was characterized as average, marked by a noticeable reservation and lack of interest in physical games and activities.

Personal Life and Marriage

Aligning with the prevailing customs of the region, Gandhi, at the age of 13, entered into an arranged marriage in May 1883 with Kasturbai Gokuldas Kapadia, commonly referred to as Kasturba or Ba. Traditional practices marked this marital union, and the initial phases saw Gandhi battling internal feelings of jealousy and possessiveness alongside navigating the typical aspirations and challenges faced by adolescents.

The demise of Karamchand in late 1885 and the death of Gandhi’s firstborn in the same period marked a phase of profound sorrow and loss for Gandhi. Overcoming these personal challenges, Gandhi and Kasturba went on to have four more sons: Harilal (born in 1888), Manilal (born in 1892), Ramdas (born in 1897), and Devdas (born in 1900).

Gandhi’s pursuit of higher education saw him graduate from high school in Ahmedabad in November 1887 and enroll at Samaldas College in Bhavnagar State in January 1888. However, his stint at Samaldas College was short-lived, resulting in a return to his family in Porbandar, marking a temporary pause in his educational journey.

Education: Law Student in London

The pivotal chapter of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s life unfolded when he embarked on a journey to London to delve into legal studies. Driven by advice from Mavji Dave Joshiji, a close Brahmin priest and confidant of the Gandhi family, the voyage was set into motion amidst familial uncertainties and emotional deliberations. Kasturba, Gandhi’s wife, had recently given birth to their first surviving son, Harilal, in July 1888, and the familial reservations, primarily from his mother Putlibai and uncle Tulsidas, weighed heavily against the backdrop of traditional and ethical considerations.

On August 10, 1888, an 18-year-old Gandhi embarked on his journey from Porbandar to Mumbai (then known as Bombay), facing a storm of warnings and skepticism from his community, which fervently questioned the moral implications of his travel to the West. Despite assurances of his unwavering adherence to his vows and cultural norms, Gandhi faced social repercussions, culminating in his excommunication from his caste. Undeterred, Gandhi sailed from Mumbai to London on September 4, 1888, entering a new phase of his life marked by exploration and academic pursuits.

In London, Gandhi’s academic journey found its path in illustrious institutions like the University College, London, where, under the tutelage of scholars like Henry Morley, he immersed himself in studies involving English literature from 1888 to 1889. His legal aspirations were channeled through his enrollment at the Inns of Court School of Law at Inner Temple, fostering his aim of becoming a barrister. London presented a tableau of challenges and avenues, resurrecting his childhood traits of shyness and introversion. His inclination towards personal improvement saw him engage in public speaking forums, which significantly aided in diminishing his reticence, cultivating a foundation crucial for his future legal practices.

Gandhi’s London sojourn was also marked by a conscientious engagement with the societal canvas of the city, particularly the impoverished communities in London’s Docklands. His empathetic involvement became notably evident during a trade dispute in 1889, where dockworkers spearheaded a movement demanding equitable pay and improved working conditions, eliciting solidarity from various sectors, including seamen, shipbuilders, and factory workers. This convergence of collective voices found resolution through successful negotiations, facilitated notably by the mediation efforts of Cardinal Manning. This instance found Gandhi, accompanied by an Indian acquaintance, expressing gratitude towards the cardinal, reflecting his appreciation and respect for efforts fostering justice and welfare in society.

Vegetarianism and Committee Work

During his period of residence in London, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s lifestyle and commitments were profoundly molded by a vow of ethical and cultural fidelity to his mother. In an attempt to assimilate into the English societal fabric, Gandhi adopted local customs of the period, engaging in activities such as dancing lessons. However, his initial experiences, particularly concerning dietary habits, were marred by a struggle with the limited vegetarian options available, leaving him often in discomfort and hunger.

His culinary explorations eventually led him to some of London’s vegetarian establishments, where his ideological perspective was further enriched by literary influences such as the works of Henry Salt. Such exposures paved the way for Gandhi’s active involvement in the London Vegetarian Society (LVS), where he was elected to its executive committee, serving under the leadership of Arnold Hills, a prominent industrialist and the society’s president.

In the sociocultural spheres of society, Gandhi played a pivotal role in extending its influence, contributing to establishing a new chapter in Bayswater. His interactions within the society were characterized by diverse intellectual engagements, including associations with members of the Theosophical Society, an organization founded in 1875 dedicated to promoting universal brotherhood and an in-depth exploration of Buddhist and Hindu literature. This confluence of ideas and philosophies prompted Gandhi towards an enhanced engagement with sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, fostering a nuanced understanding and appreciation of its teachings both in original and translated forms.

Ethical Debates within the Society

Gandhi’s tenure at the LVS was also marked by notable disagreements, symbolizing his early forays into challenging authoritative perspectives despite an innate shyness and a general disposition to avoid confrontations. A significant episode of difference emerged between Gandhi and Hills concerning the LVS membership of Thomas Allinson, who was at the center of a debate due to his advocacies related to newly emerging birth control methodologies.

Gandhi’s interactions with Hills, characterized by mutual respect and productivity, faced divergent views regarding the ethical considerations surrounding vegetarianism and broader moral paradigms. Hills, a figure of significant societal standing, marked by accomplishments in industrial enterprises and sports, and a benefactor of LVS, upheld a perspective linking vegetarianism closely with broader moral constructs, positioning it as a movement reflecting Puritan societal values.

The deliberations reached a point of formal discussions and voting within the committee, testing Gandhi’s capacities to articulate and defend his viewpoints amidst personal reservations and shyness. Despite personal ideological differences, Gandhi’s defense of Allinson reflected a nuanced appreciation of individual rights to differing opinions within the collective organizational framework.

A documented reflection of this episode is captured in Gandhi’s autobiographical work, An Autobiography, Vol. I , where he articulated a strong advocacy for allowing diverse viewpoints within society, even if they did not necessarily align with commonly upheld moral perspectives. The culmination of these debates saw the exclusion of Allinson from society after a voting process. Still, the episode unfolded without animosities, maintaining the ethos of respect and dignified disagreements within the society’s operational dynamics.

Admittance to the Bar

In the legal progression of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s life, a pivotal milestone was achieved when he was called to the bar at 22 in June 1891. Gandhi embarked on his journey back to India from London after this significant professional attainment. Upon his return, he was confronted with the sad news of his mother’s demise during his stay in London, a fact his family had kept concealed.

Seeking to establish his professional foothold, Gandhi initially ventured into setting up a law practice in Bombay. However, these attempts did not fructify successfully, owing to psychological barriers that hindered his ability to cross-examine witnesses effectively. Consequently, Gandhi transitioned back to Rajkot, where he engaged in drafting petitions for litigants as a means of earning a living. This career phase was challenged when confrontations with a British officer, Sam Sunny, interrupted his professional pursuits.

Professional Opportunity in South Africa

The year 1893 marked a turning point in Gandhi’s career when a business proposition from Dada Abdullah, a Muslim merchant rooted in Kathiawar, was presented to him. Abdullah, well-established in the shipping industry in South Africa, was searching for a lawyer to represent his distant cousin in Johannesburg, expressing a preference for an individual sharing a Kathiawari heritage.

Negotiations regarding the professional compensation for the proposed assignment resulted in an offer of a total salary amounting to £105. When adjusted for inflation and currency valuation of the period, this would be approximately equivalent to $17,200 in 2019. In addition to the salary, provisions were made for covering travel expenses associated with the assignment. Gandhi’s acceptance of this offer was marked by the understanding that it would entail a commitment of at least a year in the Colony of Natal, South Africa, which was also under the dominion of the British Empire.

This professional opportunity signified a transformative phase in Gandhi’s legal career, marking the initiation of his impactful journey in South Africa, where his experiences and contributions would profoundly shape his ideological and activist orientations.

Civil Rights Journey in South Africa (1893–1914)

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s odyssey as a civil rights activist unfolded in South Africa, a journey that spanned 21 years, commencing in April 1893, when a 23-year-old Gandhi set sail to represent Abdullah’s cousin in a legal case. His initial arrival in South Africa was marred by discrimination and racial prejudice due to his ethnic origin and skin color.

This phase of history was notably marked by the unveiling of a bronze statue commemorating Gandhi’s centenary at the Pietermaritzburg Railway Station by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in June 1993. The location had historical significance as the site where Gandhi was ousted from a train due to his refusal to vacate the first-class compartment, a space designated exclusively for Europeans. This incident was instrumental in propelling Gandhi to commit to civil rights activism, catalyzing his resolve to challenge and protest against racial injustices.

His initial perception was of self-identification primarily as a Briton, with his Indian identity being secondary. However, the extensive and entrenched discriminatory practices he experienced and witnessed were pivotal in reshaping his self-perception and ideological orientations. His advocacy extended beyond personal experiences, propelling initiatives aimed at confronting and challenging legislative and systemic manifestations of discrimination against the Indian community in South Africa.

A significant landmark in his South African journey was the conclusion of the Abdullah case in May 1894. However, Gandhi’s intent to return to India was altered by emergent political developments, specifically discriminatory legislative proposals. This prompted an extension of his stay, marking an enhanced engagement in organized activism, notably through the founding of the Natal Indian Congress in 1894. His strategic advocacy included petitions to British officials, such as Joseph Chamberlain, the British Colonial Secretary, seeking to reconsider discriminatory legislative provisions.

Gandhi’s journey also featured participation in the Boer War (1899–1902), where he played a role in forming the Natal Indian Ambulance Corps, engaging in humanitarian services in the conflict zones. This participation was emblematic of Gandhi’s multifaceted activism, integrating pursuits of civil rights advocacy with humanitarian contributions, seeking to challenge prevailing stereotypes and prejudices against the Indian community.

The evolution of his unique methodological approach to civil rights activism culminated in the conceptualization of Satyagraha, or devotion to truth, a form of nonviolent protest. This philosophy was first formally deployed in mass demonstrations against the Transvaal government’s discriminatory registration laws in 1906. The strategic evolution of Gandhi’s activism, characterized by nonviolent protests and civil disobedience, was further informed by cross-cultural intellectual engagements, such as correspondences with Leo Tolstoy.

The legacy of Gandhi’s South African sojourn constituted a transformative impact on his philosophical and strategic approaches to civil rights activism, contributing foundational elements to his subsequent influential role in India’s struggle for independence upon his return in 1915.

European, Indian, and African Intersectionality

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s transformative journey as a civil rights activist in South Africa evolved over the critical years from 1893 to 1914. During these defining decades, Gandhi navigated the tumultuous waters of racial discrimination, political awakening, and profound personal and ideological evolution.

Initially, Gandhi’s primary focus was directed towards the racial injustices faced by the Indian community. The formation of the Natal Indian Congress marked his entrance into the political arena. This political emergence was fueled by personal experiences of racial discrimination and victimization, driving him to channel his energies toward resisting and combating the prevalent racial prejudices and violations of rights. Gandhi’s experiences were characterized by overt racism, reflected in societal attitudes and systemic practices, where he was subjected to derogatory labels and overt expressions of racial hate.

Complexities and evolving perspectives marked the trajectory of Gandhi’s activism. His initial outlook exhibited racial bias, as illustrated in his initial speeches and legal advocacies where distinctions were made between the Indian and African communities. An exemplification of this is visible in his legal briefs prepared in 1895 and speeches made in September 1896, where he delineated the Indian society from the African population in the context of civil rights and societal positioning.

However, a transformative shift became apparent in Gandhi’s perspectives and actions as history unfolded. His activism began to encompass broader horizons, embodying a more inclusive approach toward resisting racial discrimination faced by Africans and Indians. Notable instances of this evolving solidarity included his participation in the Bambatha Rebellion in 1906, where, despite initial reservations, he contributed by forming a volunteer stretcher-bearer unit comprising both Indian and African individuals.

In a reflection of his expanding vision and activism, by 1910, Gandhi’s Indian Opinion newspaper began to address and highlight the racial injustices faced by the African community under the colonial regime inclusively. This period also saw the establishment of Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg in 1910, a commune that symbolized Gandhi’s commitment to peaceful resistance and his developing philosophies of nonviolent activism.

Prominent figures such as Nelson Mandela have subsequently recognized and admired Gandhi’s contributions to fighting racism in Africa. His legacy in South Africa has been commemorated post-1994 by recognitions and monuments heralding him as a national hero, symbolizing his significant role in the broader struggles against racial discrimination and apartheid.

Through historical lenses, Gandhi’s journey in South Africa emerges as a tapestry woven with threads of complexities, transformative evolutions, and pivotal contributions towards resisting racial prejudices and promoting civil rights, leaving behind a legacy interlinked with the multifaceted histories of European, Indian, and African communities in the country.

Indian Independence Movement (1915–1947)

In 1915, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi returned to India, answering a patriotic call from Gopal Krishna Gokhale, as communicated through C.F. Andrews. This period marked the beginning of Gandhi’s intensive involvement in India’s fight for independence, bringing him a global stature as a profound nationalist, theorist, and formidable community organizer.

In the formative years of his involvement, Gandhi became affiliated with the Indian National Congress (INC). This monumental partnership was orchestrated primarily through the guidance of Gokhale, a distinguished Congress leader renowned for his tempered and measured approach toward political activism. Gokhale’s strategy was rooted in the principles of moderation and adherence to working within the confines of the existing political structures and systems.

Gandhi’s leadership emerged as transformative, recalibrating the liberal foundations laid by Gokhale within the spectrum of British Whiggish traditions to resonate more profoundly with the Indian context. In asserting his growing prominence and leadership, Gandhi spearheaded the Congress with escalating fervor post-1920. His stewardship reached a pivotal milestone on January 26, 1930, when the INC proclaimed India’s independence, marking an audacious stance in their struggle.

Despite the British authority’s non-recognition of this proclamation, it ushered in an era of negotiations and incremental recognitions, wherein the INC began participating in provincial governments by the late 1930s. However, the political landscape was marked by tumult and evolving complexities. In September 1939, a unilateral declaration of war against Germany by the Viceroy exacerbated tensions, prompting Gandhi and the INC to withdraw their support from the Raj.

The historical juncture of 1942 was marked by Gandhi’s vigorous demand for immediate independence, which was met with stringent British repression, resulting in the incarceration of Gandhi and many INC leaders. Concurrently, diverging pathways were being carved by the Muslim League, who, in contrast to Gandhi’s vision, collaborated with the British and championed the establishment of a distinct Muslim state of Pakistan.

The culmination of these struggles and negotiations came to a head in August 1947, witnessing the partitioning of the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan. This partition unfolded under conditions and terms that Gandhi found profoundly disagreeable, marking a significant historical distinction in India’s arduous journey toward independence.

Throughout these pivotal decades (1915–1947), Gandhi’s leadership, principles, and strategies remained at the epicenter of India’s unwavering quest for independence, shaping the historical and political trajectories of the nation’s liberation movements.

Role in World War I

In the crucial phases of World War I, particularly in April 1918, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi found himself amidst a crucial historical conundrum. Invited by the Viceroy to partake in a War Conference held in Delhi, Gandhi embarked on a path distinctly divergent from his prior pacifist positions. In this period, unlike his previous involvements, such as during the Zulu War of 1906 and the initial stages of World War I in 1914—where his contributions were chiefly aligned with non-combatant roles, primarily recruiting volunteers for the Ambulance Corps—Gandhi sought to mobilize Indian individuals for active combat roles.

Through a leaflet disseminated in June 1918, titled “Appeal for Enlistment,” Gandhi elucidated his perspective, emphasizing the necessity for Indians to be adept in martial self-defense and bear arms if needed. He asserted that such preparedness was integral to the broader objectives of national strength and autonomy. However, a nuanced aspect of his position was elucidated in a letter addressed to the Viceroy’s private secretary, where Gandhi clarified his adherence to non-violence, stating unequivocally that he would abstain from harming any individual, irrespective of their alignment as a friend or foe.

The internal complexities and ethical inquiries surrounding Gandhi’s involvement in war recruitment processes surfaced prominently. Critical discussions and deliberations emerged, particularly concerning the unity of Gandhi’s proactive war recruitment strategies with his philosophical underpinning of ‘Ahimsa’ or non-violence. Such reviews underscored substantial discussions, reflecting the coherence and consistency of Gandhi’s principles and practical enactments.

By July 1918, a discerning admission emanated from Gandhi, illuminating the challenges and reluctances encountered in the recruitment endeavors. His written reflections documented a palpable absence of successful recruitments, attributing the hesitations to the prevailing fears of mortality and harm amongst the individuals approached for enlistment in the war efforts.

Gandhi’s involvement in the World War I recruitment spheres delineates a significant facet of historical examinations, delineating the intersections of ethical philosophies and the pragmatic difficulties of political and wartime landscapes. Throughout this period, the dynamism and debates surrounding Gandhi’s roles and stances remained imbued with multifaceted considerations and evolving strategic adaptations.

Champaran Agitations: Nonviolent Protests

1917, a significant chapter in the Indian independence movement unfolded in Bihar, with Mahatma Gandhi at the forefront – the Champaran agitation. This initiative marked Gandhi’s profound intervention in aligning with the local peasantry against the predominant Anglo-Indian plantation proprietors supported by the regional administrative mechanisms. The agrarian communities were subjected to compulsions predominantly geared towards cultivating indigo (Indigofera sp.), a crop integral to producing indigo dye. The essence of the conflict resonated with the imposition of fixed price mechanisms and the declining commercial viability of the indigo crops over the preceding two decades.

This scenario spurred discontent among the peasants, culminating in a collective appeal to Gandhi, who was stationed at his ashram in Ahmedabad then. With a strategic inclination towards nonviolent resistance, Gandhi orchestrated movements that took the administrative echelons by surprise, effectively garnering substantial concessions and alleviations in favor of the aggrieved agrarian communities.

Kheda Agitations: Mobilization and Advocacy

The subsequent year, 1918, witnessed another significant manifestation of resistance, this time in Kheda, which was beleaguered by the adversities of floods and famine. In this context, demands surfaced from the peasantry, advocating for tangible relief from incumbent tax impositions. Gandhi, channeling the ethos of non-cooperation, transitioned his operational base to Nadiad. A synergistic amalgamation of established supporters and newly recruited volunteers marked this phase, with notable personalities such as Vallabhbhai Patel contributing to the momentum.

A multifaceted approach characterized the agitation, with strategies such as signature campaigns gaining prominence. The central ethos resonated with a commitment to non-payment of revenue, underscored by the plausible threats of consequent land confiscations, and this period also witnessed the emergence of social boycotts targeting revenue-associated administrative officials such as mamlatdars and talatdars within the district spheres.

A period extending over five months marked consistent administrative reluctance to accommodate the demands of the agitation. However, a transformative shift occurred towards the end of May 1918, marking significant governmental concessions. Key adaptations included the suspension of revenue collections and facilitating conditions conducive to alleviating the tax burden, persisting until the resolution of the famine adversities. In this nuanced negotiation landscape, figures such as Vallabhbhai Patel emerged as pivotal representatives of the farmer communities, contributing to the advocacy and negotiation processes that led to the release of prisoners and the realization of crucial concessions.

Khilafat Movement: The Interplay of Politics and Communal Harmony

The Khilafat Movement emerged as a formidable political force post-World War I in 1919, positioning Gandhi, then 49, at the intersection of an intricate matrix involving British imperialism and the multifaceted dynamics of Hindu-Muslim relations in India. Gandhi embarked on an endeavor to solicit political cooperation from the Muslim community, an initiative contextualized within the broader resistance against British colonial rule. The strategy included aligning with the Ottomans, who had faced defeat in World War I.

Before this phase, the subcontinent was marred by communal tensions and disturbances, with religiously motivated riots, such as those witnessed between 1917-1918, illustrating the volatile Hindu-Muslim relations. Gandhi had previously manifested support for the British during the War, a stance reflective of both material and human resource contributions, including the mobilization of Indian soldiers for the European war fronts.

Motivations underpinning Gandhi’s supportive gestures were significantly influenced by British assurances of conceding Swaraj (self-government) to the Indian populace post-war. However, the actual reciprocations from the British governance structures were marked by minor reformative gestures, falling short of the anticipations for self-government, leading to Gandhi’s disillusionment.

Responding to the evolving political landscape, Gandhi articulated his commitment to a satyagraha (civil disobedience) approach. The British administrative response was characterized by the introduction of the Rowlatt Act, legislation that imbued the colonial apparatus with extensive powers, including provisions for indefinite detentions devoid of judicial oversight or requiring trials.

The Khilafat Movement period witnessed Gandhi navigating the complexities of Hindu-Muslim collaboration. This collaboration was visualized as a pivotal foundation for facilitating collective political advancements against British rule. The movement, spearheaded by Sunni Muslim leadership such as the Ali brothers, positioned the Turkish Caliph as a symbolic fulcrum of Islamic solidarity and advocacy for Islamic legal frameworks after the Ottoman Empire’s decline in World War I.

Gandhi’s association with the Khilafat Movement cultivated varied outcomes, including enhanced support from the Muslim community. However, it also elicited skepticism and reservations from Hindu luminaries, notably figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, who questioned the broader implications of recognizing the Sunni Islamic Caliph in Turkey.

Intermittent phases of communal harmony and political solidarity against the British characterized the trajectory of the movement. The joint participation of diverse communities in the Rowlatt satyagraha is noteworthy, bolstering Gandhi’s stature and political leadership.

However, the unfolding political scenarios also witnessed strategic divergences and contestations, exemplified by figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Jinnah’s perspectives gravitated towards constitutional negotiations with the British, diverging from Gandhi’s mass agitation strategies. This led to the crystallization of independent support bases and evolving political paradigms, contributing to subsequent historical trajectories, including the demands for separate geopolitical entities, notably West and East Pakistan.

The movement culminated in a decline around 1922, coinciding with the cessation of the non-cooperation activity, marked by Gandhi’s arrest. This period also witnessed the resurgence of communal conflicts, evidencing the fragility of the Hindu-Muslim unity fostered during the movement and signaling the complexities and challenges characterizing the political and communal landscapes of the period.

Non-Cooperation Movement: A Paradigm Shift in India’s Struggle for Independence

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant chapter in India’s freedom struggle, orchestrated by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Inspired by the ideologies articulated in his book Hind Swaraj (1909), Gandhi, at the age of 40, proclaimed that the sustenance of British rule in India was facilitated through the cooperation of the Indian populace. Gandhi espoused the philosophy that refusing this cooperation would be instrumental in dismantling British rule, heralding the advent of Swaraj (Indian Independence).

A momentous event unfolded in Madurai on September 21, 1921, when Gandhi adopted the loincloth, symbolizing his solidarity with the impoverished masses of India. A crescendo in political activities also marked this period. In February 1919, Gandhi, employing cable communication, cautioned the Viceroy of India against enacting the Rowlatt Act, pledging the initiation of civil disobedience in retaliation. Undeterred by this warning, the British administration proceeded to pass the legislation.

On March 30, 1919, this scenario culminated in a tumultuous episode where British law officers resorted to firing upon an unarmed assemblage of individuals participating in a satyagraha in Delhi peacefully protesting against the Rowlatt Act. This incident catalyzed agitation, culminating in significant unrest and riots.

A profound testament to Gandhi’s philosophy was exhibited on April 6, 1919, when he implored a gathering to embody the principles of non-violence and peace in expressing their opposition to British policies, notwithstanding the violent tendencies of the opposition. His strategic foresight in advocating the boycott of British goods was a nuanced approach aimed at undermining the economic foundations of British rule.

The historic Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, marking a grim chapter in the struggle, where a multitude, including women and children, faced indiscriminate firing commanded by British Indian Army officer Reginald Dyer. The aftermath of this incident saw Gandhi emphasizing non-violence and love as the cornerstone of the Indian response to British atrocities.

Evolving strategically, Gandhi endeavored to recalibrate the focus towards Swaraj and political independence, catalyzed by the cumulative impact of the ongoing events, notably the massacre and subsequent British responses. By 1921, Gandhi emerged as a pivotal figure in the Indian National Congress, reorganizing the political landscape and intertwining the Non-Cooperation Movement’s objectives with the Khilafat Movement’s aspirations.

Advocating a comprehensive non-cooperation strategy, Gandhi encouraged the boycott of foreign goods, mainly British, promoting instead the adoption of Swadeshi products such as khadi. He encouraged widespread participation in spinning khadi as an expression of support for the independence movement. His broader vision also encompassed the boycott of British institutions, urging a collective renunciation of governmental employment and British honors and titles.

The resonance of the Non-Cooperation Movement traversed various strata of Indian society, manifesting in a groundswell of support and participation. This phase saw Gandhi facing arrest on March 10, 1922, and subsequent imprisonment following a sedition trial. His imprisonment marked a period of factional divisions within the Indian National Congress, signifying variances in strategic approaches towards the British.

Post 1922, the movement encountered challenges, including the dissipation of Hindu-Muslim unity, epitomized by the decline of the Khilafat Movement and the emergence of divergent political factions. Gandhi was released from imprisonment in February 1924, having served a portion of his sentence, signifying the conclusion of this chapter of the freedom struggle.

Salt Satyagraha (Salt March)

Pursuit of swaraj.

Following his premature release from incarceration for political dissent in 1924, Mahatma Gandhi remained resolute in his quest for Swaraj or self-rule. He orchestrated a pivotal resolution in December 1928 at the Calcutta Congress, demanding the British government to endow India with dominion status. Gandhi warned that failure to consent to this demand would usher in a new epoch of non-cooperation, with the ultimate goal of absolute independence for India.

His prior endorsements, such as the support for World War I and the unsuccessful Khilafat Movement—which sought to safeguard the Ottoman Caliphate—did foster some internal criticisms and skepticism from contemporaries like Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh. These individuals questioned his commitment to non-violence and his broader ideological framework.

Manifestation of Resistance: The Unfurling of the Flag and the Ultimatum

The British government’s reluctance and subsequent lack of a favorable response to Gandhi’s demands culminated in symbolic acts of defiance. On December 31, 1929, the Indian flag was proudly unfurled in Lahore, symbolizing a collective yearning for autonomy. Furthermore, Gandhi spearheaded a grand commemoration on January 26, 1930, in Lahore, marking it as India’s Independence Day—a day echoed by many Indian organizations in a symphony of solidarity.

The saga of resistance further unfolded as Gandhi embarked on the Salt Satyagraha in March 1930—a profound manifestation of civil disobedience against the oppressive British salt tax. He ceremoniously dispatched a poignant letter to Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India, on March 2, 1930. The letter, a tapestry of condemnation, depicted British rule as an economic and political scourge that had subjugated and impoverished millions.

The Odyssey of Defiance: March to Dandi

In a defiant odyssey from March 12 to April 6, 1930, Gandhi, accompanied by a cadre of 78 volunteers, embarked on a 388-kilometer march from Ahmedabad to Dandi, Gujarat. This monumental march, which spanned 25 days and covered 240 miles, was punctuated by Gandhi’s interactions with colossal crowds, wherein he sowed the seeds of resistance and non-cooperation.

Gandhi’s journey culminated in a symbolic act of making salt, thereby transgressing the draconian salt laws imposed by the British. The aftermath saw his internment on May 5, 1930, invoking regulations established in 1827.

The Echo of Non-violence: The Dharasana Satyagraha

Even in Gandhi’s absence, the flame of resistance continued to blaze. On May 21, 1930, protestors assembled at the Dharasana salt works. A hallowed silence marked the scene as the protestors, armed with the armor of non-violence, advanced towards the enclosure. They were met with a storm of violence as British officials unleashed a torrent of brutality, leaving many battered and bruised.

This spectacle of peaceful protest juxtaposed against the brutality of authority marked a pivotal moment in the struggle, capturing global attention and shaking the foundations of British dominion.

Women in the Satyagraha: An Unfurling Feminine Force

Gandhi’s call for resistance also echoed within the corridors of feminine solidarity. Despite initial reservations and conditional participation based on familial consent and logistical considerations, women surged forward in defiance. Their participation, marked by courage and conviction, carved spaces of protest and resistance within India’s broader spectrum of public life.

The fabric of the Satyagraha was thus woven with threads of diverse participation, embodying a collective spirit of resistance against the yoke of imperial oppression. This tapestry of non-cooperation and defiance underscored the Indian struggle, leaving an indelible mark on the historical chronicle of India’s journey to independence.

The Embodiment of a Folk Hero

Cultural resonance in andhra pradesh.

In the intricate tapestry of India’s struggle for independence, Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a seminal figure, weaving threads of cultural and mythological relevance into the fabric of political activism. In the 1920s, the Indian National Congress ingeniously harnessed the vernacular potency of Telugu language plays in Andhra Pradesh, infusing them with narratives intertwined with Indian mythology and legends, which were then seamlessly interlaced with Gandhi’s transformative ideologies. Such creative endeavors portrayed Gandhi as a divine messenger, akin to revered nationalist leaders and saints from India’s illustrious past. This portrayal resonated profoundly with the peasants, who were deeply entrenched in the rich soils of traditional Hindu culture. Consequently, Gandhi metamorphosed into a folk hero, an ethereal figure bathed in the aura of sacrality, particularly in the Telugu-speaking villages.

The Philosophical Foundations: Soul Force vs. Brute Force

The global appeal of Gandhi’s philosophies was pivotal in sculpting his widespread following. According to scholars like Dennis Dalton, Gandhi’s criticisms of Western civilization, which he depicted as marinated in “brute force and immorality,” instead of his portrayal of Indian civilization as a beacon of “soul force and morality,” struck a powerful chord. These profound ideas, curated with notions of vanquishing hate with the weaponry of love, found expression in his pamphlets, dating back to the 1890s in South Africa. Here, amidst the Indian indentured workers, Gandhi’s ideologies found fertile ground, resulting in a blooming popularity.

Geographic Overtures: Connecting Rural India

The topographic canvas of Gandhi’s activism was vast and vividly rural. His journeys, an odyssey through the diverse rural landscapes of the Indian subcontinent, were marked by a strategic utilization of cultural symbols and terminologies. Employing phrases imbued with cultural and religious resonance, such as Rama-rajya from the epic Ramayana, and evoking paradigmatic icons like Prahlada, Gandhi enriched his concepts of Swaraj and Satyagraha with a potent cultural ethos. These ideological seeds, though seemingly esoteric beyond the Indian landscapes, found deep roots within the native soils of Indian cultural and historical values.

A Confluence of Ideas and Tradition

Gandhi’s inaugural visit to Odisha on an unrecorded date in 1921 was marked by a significant congregation alongside the Kathajodi River, symbolizing his outreach and deep connections with diverse regional identities. Through the harmonization of cultural symbols, traditional ethos, and innovative political philosophies, Gandhi became not just a political leader but a reflection of the people’s values and aspirations, metamorphosing into an embodiment of a collective conscience and a resonating folk hero in the annals of Indian history.

Negotiations and Opposition

The gandhi-irwin pact.

In a pivotal negotiation moment in India’s freedom struggle, the British government, represented by Lord Irwin, engaged in talks with Mahatma Gandhi. The consequential Gandhi-Irwin Pact was formalized in March 1931. A cornerstone of this agreement was the British government’s commitment to release all incarcerated political activists. This decision was counterbalanced by Gandhi’s pledge to suspend the civil disobedience movement temporarily.

Following the pact, Gandhi, embodying the sole representation of the Indian National Congress, was extended an invitation to the Round Table Conference in London. This gathering, however, did not meet the expectations of the Indian nationalists. Rather than pivoting towards discussions on the transfer of power and the realization of India’s independence, the conference seemed to be nestled in deliberations focused on the Indian princes and minorities.

Transition in British Stance

Following Lord Irwin, his successor, Lord Willingdon, espoused a rigorous position, acting with renewed vigor against the aspirations of an independent India. This phase saw a strategic tightening of control over the nationalist movements, marked by repressive measures aimed at subduing the voices clamoring for freedom. Gandhi, symbolic of the freedom struggle, was trapped in the web of arrest again as the authorities sought to diminish his influence by severing his connections with the masses.

Churchill’s Perspective

Winston Churchill, who would later ascend as the Prime Minister of Britain, emerged as a vociferous critic of Gandhi and his vision for India’s future. Positioned outside the corridors of power during this period, Churchill articulated his criticisms with striking vigor and candidness. His speeches reverberated with a distinctive aversion towards Gandhi, whom he dismissed as a “seditious Middle Temple lawyer,” metamorphosing into a fakir. Churchill’s rhetoric, infused with scathing comments, portrayed Gandhi as a nefarious figure, orchestrating movements with “seditious aims” and labeled him as a “Hindu Mussolini.”

Churchill’s adversarial stance against Gandhi was not confined to the British Isles but found resonance in international arenas, including the European and American press. His efforts to politically isolate Gandhi were met with a spectrum of responses. While his critiques found sympathetic ears, they also inadvertently bolstered support for Gandhi, creating a nuanced global perspective on the Indian freedom struggle.

The unfolding political sagas of negotiations, marked by the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, and opposition, epitomized by Churchill’s critiques, painted a complex canvas of the struggle for India’s independence. Each stroke, whether diplomatic engagements or the enthusiasm of opposition, shaped the contours of this historical journey toward freedom.

Round Table Conferences: 1931-1932

Deliberations and disagreements.

Between 1931 and 1932, pivotal discussions unfolded at the Round Table Conferences, engaging key figures such as Mahatma Gandhi in dialogues with the British government. Gandhi, aged around 62 at that time, carried the mantle of aspirations for constitutional reforms, visualizing them as foundational steps towards the cessation of British colonial rule and the inception of Indian self-governance.

The British delegates, however, navigated the discussions with a vision anchored in retaining the colonial grip over the Indian subcontinent. Their proposition involved constitutional refinements modeled after the British Dominion, advocating for establishing separate electorates delineated by religious and societal stratification.

Diverging visions surfaced as the British questioned the Indian National Congress and Gandhi’s capacity to be the comprehensive voice of India’s multifaceted society. In a strategic maneuver, they incorporated diverse religious leaders, including representatives from Muslim and Sikh communities, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the spokesperson for the Dalits or the “untouchables,” encouraging a discourse enriched by diverse societal and religious nuances.

Steadfast in his principles, Gandhi countered proposals advocating constitutional provisions delineated by communal identities. He envisaged the potential repercussions of such provisions as detrimental, fostering divisions and hindering the unifying spirit essential for a collective struggle against colonial rule.

Residing Amongst the Common People

An illustrative episode during these deliberations was Gandhi’s solitary voyage outside India between 1914 and his demise in 1948. Opting against the allure of luxurious accommodations in London’s West End, Gandhi chose proximity to the working-class populace residing in East End’s Kingsley Hall. This decision mirrored his intrinsic alignment with the grassroots, reflecting his life and struggles in India.

Protests and The Poona Pact

After his return to India, after the Second Round Table Conference, Gandhi spearheaded a renewed wave of Satyagraha. Following his arrest, his unwavering spirit was confined within the walls of Yerwada Jail, Pune.

A significant constitutional development during his incarceration was the British government’s enactment of legislation ushering in separate electorates for the “untouchables,” famously termed the Communal Award. Propelled by a spirit of protest, Gandhi embraced a fast-unto-death in prison, catalyzing a potent wave of public outcry. This led to consultative resolutions involving Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, resulting in the transformative Poona Pact, which replaced the initial Communal Award.

The Round Table Conferences emerged as crucibles of intense deliberations and diverging visions, navigating the turbulent terrains of constitutional reforms amidst India’s freedom struggle. Key protagonists such as Gandhi, embodying the spirit of nonviolent resistance, navigated these discussions with a vision of a united struggle against colonial rule, leading to significant historical milestones like the Poona Pact.

The Dynamics of Congress Politics: 1934-1938

Gandhi’s resignation and its implications.

In a strategic repositioning, Mahatma Gandhi resigned from the membership of the Indian National Congress in 1934. This was not a manifestation of dissent against the party’s stances. Instead, Gandhi’s resignation was imbued with a vision of revitalizing the party’s internal dynamics. He envisioned that his absence would dismantle the overshadowing influence of his immense popularity, facilitating a more vibrant and pluralistic participation from diverse factions within the Congress. These factions encapsulated a spectrum of ideological orientations, including communists, socialists, trade unionists, students, religious conservatives, and proponents of pro-business philosophies.

Gandhi also sought to strategically preclude the potential utilization of his leadership status for propagandist objectives by the Raj. This was emblematic of his nuanced approach to ensuring that his leadership did not inadvertently become a conduit for the Raj’s propaganda machinery.

Resurgence in Active Politics

Gandhi’s re-engagement with active politics unfurled in 1936, synchronized with Jawaharlal Nehru’s ascendancy to the Congress presidency and the significant Lucknow session of the Congress. Gandhi’s focus remained unwaveringly anchored on the imperative of attaining independence, prioritizing it over deliberations speculating on India’s prospective future post-independence.

In a paradigm of ideological diversities, Gandhi did not impose constraints on Congress to adopt socialism as an aspirational objective. However, the political landscape was characterized by emergent contentions, most notably with Subhas Chandra Bose. Bose, elected as the president of the Congress in 1938, epitomized a contrasting ideological orientation, reflecting skepticism towards nonviolence as a fundamental instrument of protest.

Ideological Clashes and Resignations

An ideological clash crescendoed between Gandhi and Bose, culminating in the electoral realm, with Bose securing a second presidential term despite Gandhi’s endorsement of Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya. In reflecting on the significance of the election, Gandhi interpreted Sitaramayya’s defeat as a personal loss. This period witnessed a tumultuous phase of All-India leaders resigning from a collective dissent against Bose’s deviation from the foundational Gandhian principles. These resignations underscored the profound ideological variances within the Congress, delineating the contours of a complex and dynamic political landscape during this historical juncture.

The period between 1934 and 1938 was emblematic of the multifaceted dynamics and ideological diversities within the Indian National Congress. Gandhi’s strategies, resignations, and ideological disagreements were reflective of a vibrant yet tumultuous phase in the evolution of the Congress and the broader contours of India’s freedom struggle.

World War II and the Evolution of the Quit India Movement

Initial resistance and opposition.

During the crucible of World War II, Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a staunch opponent of extending any form of support to the British war endeavor. Anchoring his resistance was a nuanced political rationale; Gandhi firmly believed that it was incongruous for India to contribute to a war that was ostensibly waged for the preservation of democratic freedoms while such freedoms remained elusive within India itself. This position catalyzed a spectrum of reactions, leading to a robust movement against Indian participation in the war.

The Pinnacle of Non-Cooperation: The Quit India Movement

In a historical address delivered in Bombay in August 1942, Gandhi underscored the urgency of British exit from India, inaugurating the Quit India Movement. This clarion call for liberation resonated with a spectrum of responses. While it orchestrated a symphony of collective action against British imperialism, it also faced opposition from various factions, notably leading to the mass incarceration of Congress leaders and the tragic loss of over 1,000 Indian lives in the tumult of the movement.

Gandhi’s advocacy was articulated with a profound philosophical coherence. He urged the Indian populace to abstain from initiating violence against the British, emphasizing a readiness to endure suffering and embrace martyrdom if confronted with violence from the British regime.

Arrest and Imprisonment

A profound challenge beset the movement with Gandhi’s arrest and subsequent two-year imprisonment in the Aga Khan Palace in Pune. This period was marked by deep personal losses for Gandhi, including the demise of his secretary, Mahadev Desai, and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi, on February 22, 1944. Amidst these tribulations, Gandhi navigated the complexities of political communication, including interactions with British journalists such as Stuart Gelder, leading to various nuances and controversies in representing Gandhi’s positions.

Political Transitions and Dialogues

Gandhi’s release on May 6, 1944, marked his reentry into a dynamically transformed political landscape. A significant feature of this transformation was the ascendency of the Muslim League and the intensification of dialogues around the prospect of partition. Protracted discussions, notably with Muhammad Ali Jinnah, unfolded against this backdrop, with Gandhi advocating for a vision of a united and pluralistic India, encompassing the diversity of its religious communities.

The Aftermath of the War

The terminal phase of World War II heralded shifts in the political configurations, with indications of the impending transfer of power into Indian hands becoming increasingly discernible. Gandhi’s leadership navigated these complexities, eventually leading to the cessation of the movement and the release of approximately 100,000 political prisoners. This epoch in history thus marked a confluence of resistance, negotiation, and the relentless quest for India’s freedom, reflecting the multifaceted dynamics of the Quit India Movement in the broader canvas of the struggle for Indian independence.

Partition and Independence: Gandhi’s Vision and Struggles

Unfolding dialogues and disagreements.

During the epoch of India’s imminent independence, Mahatma Gandhi steadfastly opposed the partitioning of the Indian subcontinent along religious demarcations. A pivotal moment unfolded in September 1944, when Gandhi engaged in dialogues with Muhammad Ali Jinnah, advocating for unity amidst the brewing sectarian divisions. Championing a strategy of cooperation and plebiscite, Gandhi proposed a provisional government comprising the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League, envisioning a subsequent resolution of the partition question through democratic consultations in Muslim-majority districts.

The Onset of Direct Action Day: August 16, 1946

A significant historical juncture was marked by Direct Action Day on August 16, 1946. Championed by Jinnah, this day epitomized the intensification of demands for a partitioned Indian subcontinent. In the historical fabric of these developments, the city of Calcutta became an epicenter of communal conflagrations, witnessing significant upheavals, loss of life, and the unsettling turmoil of communal violence. The enforcement machinery exhibited a considerable lack of intervention, with historical accounts noting the absence of policing mechanisms in managing and mitigating conflict escalations during this period.

Negotiations, Criticisms, and British Perspectives

The political atmosphere was imbued with intricate negotiations and various perspectives, including those of Archibald Wavell, the Viceroy and Governor-General of British India, until February 1947. The interplay of dialogues, criticisms, and apprehensions marked this phase. Wavell’s critiques articulated a portrayal of Gandhi’s intentions and strategies, emphasizing a perception of Gandhi as primarily driven by objectives oriented towards eliminating British influence and establishing a predominantly Hindu governance structure.

The Contours of Partition and Independence

Historical narrations emphasize that tumultuous disagreements, intense violence, and the massive displacement of populations across the reconfigured borders of India and Pakistan marked the unfolding of partition. The magnitude of the humanitarian crisis was enormous, with the migration of 10 to 12 million individuals and significant loss of life keeping the landscapes of partition.

August 15, 1947: A Day of Solemn Reflection

The historic day of India’s independence on August 15, 1947, was marked by Gandhi’s deep reflections, acts of fasting, and appeals for peace amidst the pervasive atmosphere of communal unrest. Gandhi’s presence in Calcutta symbolized a beacon of peace advocacy, channeling efforts towards mitigating the religious violence that had engulfed various regions.

Gandhi’s journeys through the tumultuous pathways of partition and independence embodied a persistent vision for unity, democratic consultations, and peace. His leadership navigated the complexities of negotiations, critiques, and the profound challenges of communal violence, reflecting a multifaceted engagement with the historical transformations of his times.

A historical tragedy unfolded on January 30, 1948, as the sun set, marking an unforgettable loss. At 5:17 pm, within the serene surroundings of the Birla House garden (now Gandhi Smriti), Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied by his grandnieces, was ambushed by an act of violent extremism. Nathuram Godse, propelled by a radical Hindu nationalist ideology, unleashed three bullets into Gandhi’s chest, culminating in the tragic demise of a global apostle of peace and non-violence.

After the act of assassination, a cloud of sorrow and disbelief permeated the national consciousness. The solemn announcements and expressions of grief were epitomized by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s poignant address to the nation, communicating the enormity of the loss and the ensuing darkness experienced by millions.

The Assassination

In the aftermath of the tragic event, an immediate process of legal scrutiny and justice was initiated. Prominent among the accused were individuals such as Nathuram Vinayak Godse and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, whose affiliations were traced to radical Hindu nationalist organizations. The judiciary process commenced on May 27, 1948, under the vigilance of Justice Atma Charan. The legal proceedings were meticulous, involving comprehensive testimonies and evidentiary presentations, culminating on February 10, 1949.

Verdicts and Sentencing

The outcome of the judicial proceedings led to pronounced verdicts, with diverse sentencing outcomes for the accused individuals. Godse and Narayan Apte faced the gravest consequences, receiving capital punishment sentences. Conversely, acquittals and varying degrees of imprisonment were apportioned to other individuals involved in the conspiracy.

The Funeral

An extraordinary display of national and global mourning marked Gandhi’s mortal departure. The funeral procession, a solemn journey spanning five miles, witnessed the participation of over a million individuals, reflecting the profound respect and reverence towards Gandhi’s legacy. Notably, the global diaspora, including communities within London, converged in expressions of grief and remembrance, reflecting the universal impact of Gandhi’s life and principles.

The physical departure of Mahatma Gandhi was marked with a solemn and significant cremation ceremony on January 31, 1948, at Rajghat, New Delhi. The event became a confluence of grief and reverence, attended by distinguished national leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Louis and Edwina Mountbatten, Maulana Azad, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, and Sarojini Naidu. Devdas Gandhi, Gandhi’s son, had the poignant honor of lighting the funeral pyre, signifying a profoundly personal and national farewell.

Distribution and Immersion of Ashes

Following Hindu traditions, the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were ceremoniously distributed into various urns, which found their resting places across diverse geographies of India and the world. A significant portion of his ashes were immersed at the Sangam in Allahabad on February 12, 1948. Intriguingly, some parts of his ashes embarked on global journeys, finding resting places near the Nile River in Uganda, symbolized with a memorial plaque, and as far away as the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in Los Angeles. Various other urns found their sanctified spaces in places significant to Gandhi’s life and struggle, including Pune and Girgaum Chowpatty, where specific immersion ceremonies were conducted in subsequent years, the last of which was conducted on January 30, 2008.

Memorials: Preserving the Legacy

The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi is preserved and commemorated through various memorials established in places intertwined with his life’s journey and sacrifices. Gandhi Smriti, the former Birla House, stands as a poignant tribute to his final moments, preserving the historical significance of his assassination. Raj Ghat, situated near the Yamuna River in New Delhi, has become an enduring place of remembrance, symbolizing the nation’s collective homage. The memorial at Raj Ghat is marked by a simple yet profound black marble platform engraved with the words “Hē Rāma” (हे ! राम), believed to be Gandhi’s last utterances, perpetuating the spiritual essence of his life’s philosophy and eternal departure.

Principles, Practices, and Beliefs

Examination and interpretation.

The principles, practices, and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi have been the focal point of extensive analysis and interpretation by scholars and political analysts globally. Gandhi’s life, articulated through his profound statements and letters, has woven a tapestry of philosophical insights deeply influenced by cultural, historical, and personal paradigms.

Truth and Satyagraha: Ethical Cornerstones

Central to Gandhi’s philosophy was the pursuit of truth (Satya), which he meticulously cultivated throughout his life. This unwavering commitment evolved into the nonviolent resistance movement known as Satyagraha. This pivotal concept was first politically manifested in September 1920, during a session of the Indian Congress, where Gandhi meticulously articulated the “Resolution on Non-cooperation.”

The concept of Satyagraha reverberated profoundly within the cultural and spiritual ethos of the Indian populace, elevating Gandhi’s stature to that of a Mahatma or a “Great Soul.” Gandhi’s philosophical underpinnings were firmly rooted in ancient Indian traditions, drawing inspiration from Vedantic principles of self-realization, non-violence (ahimsa), and universal love. His convictions were further enriched by elements from Jainism and Buddhism, synthesizing a political philosophy that prioritized moral integrity and ethical action.

Spiritual Synthesis: The Convergence of Divine and Ethical Realms

Gandhi’s spiritual articulation evolved, reflecting a convergence of divine and ethical realms. His philosophical journey culminated in the realization that “Truth is God,” positioning truth (Satya) as the ultimate divine reality. This alignment resonated with the Advaita Vedanta tradition, identifying a non-dual universal essence pervading all life and existence.

Satyagraha: A Nonviolent Crusade

Satyagraha emerged as a universal force, embodying passive resistance and a determined non-cooperation towards oppression. It was characterized by a soul force seeking to eliminate antagonisms, aiming to purify and transform the oppressor spiritually. This ethical architecture, championed by Gandhi, advocated moral ascendance through the endurance of suffering, heralding the progression of individual and societal ethos.

While universally inclusive, Satyagraha’s philosophy also encountered diverging perspectives and criticisms from various quarters. Notably, there were objections from prominent personalities, such as Muslim leaders like Jinnah and socio-political reformers like Ambedkar, who presented alternative viewpoints based on varying political, religious, and social considerations.

Nonviolence: A Philosophical Imperative

While nonviolence (ahimsa) became synonymous with Gandhi’s philosophy, its application was deeply nuanced. While valuing nonviolence as an exemplary virtue, Gandhi also demonstrated a readiness to adopt a stance of valor over submission in the face of dishonor or adversity. This nuanced stance on non-violence was not merely a strategic choice but a reflection of Gandhi’s broader philosophical and ethical convictions.

Historical and Global Resonance

Gandhi’s ideological contributions have left an indelible mark on historical and global landscapes, guiding movements and inspiring leaders across diverse temporal and geographical realms. His teachings, underscored by nonviolence and moral righteousness principles, continue to resonate as guiding beacons in the global discourse on justice, ethics, and humanitarianism.

Legacy and Influence

Mahatma Gandhi holds a preeminent position as a stalwart who led the Indian independence movement against British rule, earning himself a significant place in the annals of modern Indian history. Esteemed American historian Stanley Wolpert lauded Gandhi as “India’s greatest revolutionary nationalist leader,” equating his historical magnitude to that of the Buddha.

Gandhi’s honorific title, “Mahatma,” derived from the Sanskrit words ‘maha’ (Great) and ‘atma’ (Soul), became synonymous with his identity. It was publicly conferred upon him in a farewell meeting at Town Hall, Durban, in July 1914. The esteemed poet Rabindranath Tagore is credited with bestowing this title on him by 1915.

His influence permeates the global landscape, with numerous streets, roads, and localities named in his honor, predominantly in India. Landmarks such as M.G. Road in various Indian cities, Gandhi Market in Mumbai, and Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat—his birth state, celebrate his enduring legacy. His impact was further commemorated through the issuance of stamps by over 150 countries as of 2008. Remarkably, in October 2019, approximately 87 countries, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey, released commemorative stamps marking the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi.

His legacy shaped global history and inspired leaders and movements worldwide. Icons of the civil rights movement in the United States, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and James Lawson, cultivated their philosophies of non-violence from Gandhi’s teachings. Nelson Mandela , the torchbearer against apartheid in South Africa, and other global figures like Steve Biko and Václav Havel also drew profound inspiration from Gandhi’s principles of peaceful resistance.

Prominent personalities like physicist Albert Einstein and political activist Farah Omar from Somaliland were captivated by his philosophy. Notable European philosopher Romain Rolland penned a book titled Mahatma Gandhi in 1924, delineating his admiration and respect for Gandhi’s ideals. The interconnected spheres of environmental and technological philosophies have recently rejuvenated interest in Gandhi’s perspectives in the wake of climate change debates.

Historical landmarks have also immortalized Gandhi’s legacy. For instance, in September 2020, the Florian asteroid 120461 was named in his honor. Subsequent memorials, such as the statues erected in Astana in October 2022 and at the United Nations headquarters in New York on December 15, 2022, underscore his indelible mark on history and global peace movements.

Internationally renowned personalities, ranging from British musician John Lennon to former U.S. President Barack Obama , have voiced their reverence for Gandhi’s ideologies. Obama notably proclaimed Gandhi as a significant source of inspiration in a public interaction in September 2009.

In summary, Mahatma Gandhi’s life, philosophies, and strategies for peaceful resistance remain luminous beacons of inspiration and have been instrumental in sculpting the moral and ethical frameworks of various global leaders and movements. His legacy, interwoven with the principles of non-violence and moral integrity, continues reverberating through contemporary discourses on justice, peace, and humanitarianism.

Mahatma Gandhi’s biography is a remarkable symphony of his beliefs, religion, and unyielding movements for justice and freedom. His enduring legacy, a testament to the power of peaceful resistance, continues to guide and inspire people worldwide toward hope, inspiration, and moral victory.

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Biography Zone

Mahatma Gandhi Biography: From Lawyer to Leader of India’s Freedom Movement

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer who became the leader of the nationalist movement against the British rule of India. As such, he came to be considered the father of his country. Mahatma is a Sanskrit word that means “great soul”, a title that was first bestowed on him in South Africa in 1914. In this article we will explore all about Mahatma Gandhi Biography, his early life, activity in South Africa, his movement in india, philosophy and principles, death and legacy.

Table of Contents

Gandhi is internationally esteemed for his doctrine of nonviolent protest (satyagraha) to achieve political and social progress. He challenged the British colonial authority with peaceful marches, boycotts, strikes, and fasts, mobilizing millions of Indians to demand their rights and freedom. He also advocated for the civil rights of Indians in South Africa, where he faced racial discrimination and oppression.

Gandhi played a crucial role in securing India’s independence from British rule in 1947, after decades of struggle and sacrifice. He also contributed to the social and economic development of India, promoting education, health, sanitation, rural empowerment, women’s rights, and communal harmony. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world, influencing leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Dalai Lama.

Early Life and Education

Birth and family background.

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in Gujarat, western India. He was the youngest child of his father’s fourth wife. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was the chief minister (dewan) of Porbandar, a small princely state under British suzerainty. His mother, Putlibai, was a devout Hindu who followed Jainism, a religion that emphasizes nonviolence and compassion.

Childhood and Schooling

Gandhi grew up in a privileged but modest environment. He was shy and timid as a child, but also curious and independent. He attended a local school where he learned the basics of arithmetic, history, geography, and Gujarati language. He was not a brilliant student, but he enjoyed reading books on religion, ethics, and literature. He also learned English as a second language.

Law Studies in London

When Gandhi was 13 years old, he married Kasturba Makhanji, a girl of the same age from a merchant family. They had four sons together. In 1888, at the age of 18, Gandhi left his wife and children to study law in London. He enrolled at the Inner Temple, one of the four Inns of Court that train barristers in England. He was fascinated by the British culture and civilization, but he also faced some difficulties in adjusting to the new environment. He adopted a vegetarian diet and joined the Vegetarian Society. He also read extensively on various subjects, including philosophy, religion, politics, and law.

Activism in South Africa

Arrival and discrimination.

In 1893, Gandhi accepted a job offer from an Indian merchant who needed a lawyer to represent him in a lawsuit in South Africa . He arrived in Durban with a one-year contract, but he decided to stay longer after witnessing the plight of Indians in South Africa. They were treated as second-class citizens by the white minority government that imposed racial segregation laws on them.

Gandhi himself experienced discrimination and humiliation on several occasions. He was thrown off a train for refusing to move from a first-class to a third-class carriage. He was beaten by a stagecoach driver for not giving up his seat to a European passenger. He was barred from entering hotels, courts, and other public places reserved for whites.

Formation of Natal Indian Congress

Gandhi realized that the Indians in South Africa needed to unite and resist the injustice and oppression they faced. He founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894, an organization that aimed to fight for the civil rights of Indians through petitions, protests, and negotiations. He also started a newspaper called Indian Opinion, which served as a platform for voicing the grievances and demands of the Indian community. He became a prominent and respected leader of the Indians in South Africa, earning the nickname “Mahatma” from his followers.

Satyagraha Campaign and Imprisonment

In 1906, Gandhi launched his first major campaign of nonviolent resistance (satyagraha) against the Transvaal government, which had passed a law requiring all Indians to register and carry identification cards. Gandhi and thousands of Indians defied the law and burned their registration certificates in public. They also refused to pay taxes, buy licenses, or obey other discriminatory laws.

They faced arrests, fines, beatings, and imprisonment, but they did not retaliate with violence. Gandhi himself was jailed several times for his civil disobedience. He also led peaceful marches, such as the one from Johannesburg to Pretoria in 1913, to protest against the restrictions on Indian immigration and marriage. He negotiated with the South African authorities and secured some concessions for the Indians, such as the recognition of Hindu and Muslim marriages and the abolition of the poll tax.

Leadership of Indian Independence Movement

Return to india and role in congress.

In 1915, after spending 21 years in South Africa, Gandhi returned to India with his wife and children. He was welcomed as a national hero by the Indian people, who were eager to hear about his experiences and ideas. He joined the Indian National Congress, the largest political party in India that opposed British rule. He became a close associate of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a moderate leader who mentored him in Indian politics.

Gandhi traveled extensively across India to understand the problems and aspirations of the masses. He established an ashram (a religious retreat) near Ahmedabad, where he lived a simple and austere life. He also adopted a new attire: a short dhoti (loincloth) woven with hand-spun yarn, which symbolized his identification with India’s rural poor.

Non-cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements

In 1920, Gandhi launched his first nationwide campaign of non-cooperation against British rule. He urged Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, services, and honors. He asked them to resign from government jobs, withdraw from government schools and colleges, refuse to pay taxes, and forsake British titles and honors. He also encouraged them to spin their own cloth (khadi), use indigenous products, and revive their traditional industries. He hoped that by paralyzing the British administration and economy, he could force them to grant self-government (swaraj) to India.

The non-cooperation movement was largely peaceful and successful, but it was abruptly called off by Gandhi in 1922 after a violent incident in Chauri Chaura, where a mob of protesters killed 22 policemen. Gandhi felt that the Indians were not ready for mass civil disobedience and needed more discipline and training. He was arrested by the British for sedition and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released in 1924 on medical grounds.

The Salt March

In 1930, Gandhi resumed his campaign of civil disobedience with a new challenge: the Salt March. He protested against the British monopoly on salt production and taxation, which affected millions of Indians who depended on salt for their daily needs. He led a 240-mile (390-km) march from his ashram to the coastal town of Dandi, where he made salt from seawater in defiance of the law.

Thousands of Indians followed his example and made or sold salt illegally. They also raided salt depots, boycotted foreign cloth, and refused to pay land revenue. The British responded with brutal force, arresting over 60,000 people including Gandhi.

Gandhi’s Salt March captured the imagination of the world and drew international attention to the Indian independence movement. It also forced the British to negotiate with Gandhi and invite him to attend the Round Table Conference in London as the sole representative of the Congress. However, the talks failed as Gandhi demanded complete independence while the British offered only limited reforms.

In 1932, Gandhi returned to India and was arrested again by the British. While in prison, he went on a fast unto death to protest against the British proposal to separate the untouchables (the lowest caste in Hinduism) from the rest of the Hindu community in electoral representation.

He opposed untouchability as a social evil and a violation of human dignity. He called the untouchables Harijans (children of God) and worked for their upliftment and integration. His fast stirred the conscience of the nation and pressured the British to withdraw their plan.

In 1934, Gandhi resigned from the Congress to devote himself to constructive work in rural areas. He promoted education, health, sanitation, village industries, and social reform. He also campaigned against alcoholism, untouchability, child marriage, and purdah (the seclusion of women). He founded several institutions and organizations to carry out his work, such as the All-India Spinners’ Association, the Harijan Sevak Sangh, and the Sevagram Ashram.

Quit India Campaign

In 1942, Gandhi launched his final and most intense campaign against British rule: the Quit India movement. He gave a stirring speech in Bombay (now Mumbai), where he asked the British to “quit India” and the Indians to “do or die” for their freedom. He urged Indians to resist British oppression through nonviolent means, such as strikes, demonstrations, sabotage, and mass civil disobedience. He also asked the Indian soldiers and officials to disobey their British masters.

The Quit India movement was met with fierce repression by the British, who arrested Gandhi and most of the Congress leaders. They also unleashed violence on the protesters, killing and injuring thousands of them. The movement was largely spontaneous and leaderless, but it showed the determination and courage of the Indian people. It also weakened the British hold on India and convinced them that they could not rule India against the will of its people.

Know More About Indian Freedom Fighter – Bio and Essay

Philosophy and Principles

Nonviolence and truth.

Gandhi’s philosophy and principles were based on two key concepts: ahimsa (nonviolence) and satya (truth). He believed that nonviolence was the highest form of morality and the best way to achieve social and political change. He defined nonviolence as not only abstaining from physical harm, but also from hatred, anger, fear, greed, and selfishness. He practiced nonviolence in his personal life as well as in his public actions. He said that nonviolence was not a weapon of the weak, but of the strong. He also said that nonviolence was not passive resistance, but active persuasion.

Gandhi also believed that truth was the ultimate reality and the supreme value. He said that truth was God and God was truth. He sought to discover and follow the truth in every situation. He called his method of seeking truth satyagraha, which means “holding on to truth” or “soul force”. He used satyagraha as a technique of nonviolent resistance against injustice and oppression. He said that satyagraha was not a way of harming or humiliating one’s opponent, but of converting him or her through love and compassion.

Hindu-Muslim Unity and Religious Tolerance

Gandhi was a devout Hindu who followed the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred scripture that emphasizes duty, action, and devotion. He also respected other religions and sought to learn from them. He read the Quran, the Bible, and other holy books. He celebrated festivals of different faiths with his friends and followers. He said that all religions were different paths to the same goal: God.

Gandhi was deeply concerned about the communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims in India. He opposed the partition of India into two separate states based on religion: India for Hindus and Pakistan for Muslims. He feared that partition would lead to violence and hatred between the two communities. He tried to bridge the gap between Hindus and Muslims by appealing to their common interests and values. He also intervened in several communal riots and conflicts, risking his life to stop bloodshed. He fasted several times to bring peace between Hindus and Muslims.

Swaraj and Self-reliance

Gandhi’s vision of independence for India was not merely political, but also social, economic, and cultural. He called it swaraj, which means “self-rule” or “self-government”. He said that swaraj meant not only freedom from foreign domination, but also freedom from exploitation, poverty, ignorance, and injustice. He said that swaraj could be achieved only by empowering the masses through education, awareness, organization, and participation.

Gandhi also advocated for self-reliance as a means of achieving swaraj. He encouraged Indians to produce their own goods and services rather than depend on foreign imports or markets. He promoted khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and national pride. He also supported village industries such as spinning, weaving, pottery, carpentry, leatherwork, etc., as a way of providing employment and income to millions of rural poor. He said that self-reliance would make India strong, independent, and prosperous.

Death and Legacy

Assassination by nathuram godse.

Gandhi’s life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet on January 30, 1948. He was shot three times in the chest by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist who blamed him for appeasing the Muslims and partitioning India. Gandhi was walking to a prayer meeting at Birla House in New Delhi when he was attacked. He died on the spot, uttering his last words: “Hey Ram” (Oh God).

Gandhi’s assassination shocked and saddened the nation and the world. Millions of people mourned his death and paid tribute to his memory. His body was cremated on the banks of the Yamuna River, and his ashes were scattered in various places, including the Ganges River, the Arabian Sea, and South Africa.

National and International Mourning

Gandhi’s death was a great loss for India and humanity. He was hailed as the father of the nation, the apostle of peace, and the saint of the century. He was honored with various titles and awards, such as the Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian honor), the Time Person of the Year (1930), and the Nobel Peace Prize (nominated five times but never awarded). His birthday, October 2, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India and as the International Day of Nonviolence by the United Nations.

Gandhi’s legacy lives on in his words and deeds, which continue to inspire and guide millions of people around the world. His principles of nonviolence, truth, love, and service are relevant and applicable to various issues and challenges facing humanity today, such as war, terrorism, poverty, injustice, oppression, discrimination, environmental degradation, etc. His life and message are a source of hope and courage for those who seek peace and justice.

Influence on Civil Rights Movements Worldwide

Gandhi’s influence extends beyond India to other countries and continents, where he inspired several leaders and movements that fought for civil rights and freedom. Some of his most notable followers include:

Martin Luther King Jr., the leader of the African American civil rights movement in the United States, who adopted Gandhi’s methods of nonviolent resistance to challenge racial segregation and discrimination. He visited India in 1959 and met with Gandhi’s associates and followers. He said that Gandhi was “the guiding light of our technique of nonviolent social change”.

Nelson Mandela, the leader of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, who spent 27 years in prison for his struggle against the white minority regime. He admired Gandhi’s courage and conviction and learned from his experiences in South Africa. He said that Gandhi was “a source of inspiration to all who are oppressed and deprived”.

Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, who fled from Tibet to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese occupation. He has advocated for the autonomy and rights of Tibetans through peaceful means. He has met with Gandhi’s family and followers and expressed his admiration for Gandhi’s philosophy and practice of nonviolence.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the democracy movement in Myanmar (Burma), who spent 15 years under house arrest for her opposition to the military dictatorship. She has followed Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence, truth, and civil disobedience. She has said that Gandhi’s teachings have given her “courage and inner strength”.

Cesar Chavez, the leader of the farm workers’ movement in the United States, who organized strikes, boycotts, and marches to demand better wages and working conditions for migrant laborers. He was influenced by Gandhi’s ideas of nonviolence, self-reliance, and social justice. He said that Gandhi was “the most heroic person of our time”.

Mahatma Gandhi Biography

FAQs: Mahatma Gandhi

When and where was mahatma gandhi born.

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India.

What was Mahatma Gandhi’s profession?

Mahatma Gandhi was a lawyer by training, but he also worked as a journalist, politician, social activist, and writer.

What was Mahatma Gandhi’s main goal?

Mahatma Gandhi’s main goal was to secure India’s independence from British rule through nonviolent means.

What were Mahatma Gandhi’s main methods?

Mahatma Gandhi’s main methods were satyagraha (nonviolent resistance), civil disobedience (breaking unjust laws), boycotts (refusing to cooperate with British institutions), strikes (withdrawing labor), marches (demonstrating solidarity), fasts (protesting through self-sacrifice), and negotiations (seeking compromise).

How did Mahatma Gandhi die?

Mahatma Gandhi died on January 30, 1948, after being shot by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist who opposed his policies towards Muslims.

What were Mahatma Gandhi’s main influences?

Mahatma Gandhi’s main influences were his mother, who taught him religious devotion and compassion; the Bhagavad Gita, which taught him duty, action, and devotion; Leo Tolstoy, who taught him nonviolence and simplicity; Henry David Thoreau, who taught him civil disobedience and self-reliance; and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who taught him Indian politics and moderation.

What were Mahatma Gandhi’s main contributions to India?

Mahatma Gandhi’s main contributions to India were securing its independence from British rule; awakening the masses to their rights and dignity; promoting social and economic development; reforming the caste system and uplifting the untouchables; fostering Hindu-Muslim unity and religious tolerance; and inspiring a spirit of nationalism and patriotism.

What were Mahatma Gandhi’s main challenges and difficulties?

Mahatma Gandhi’s main challenges and difficulties were facing the British colonial authority, which tried to suppress his movements with force and repression; dealing with the internal divisions and conflicts within the Indian National Congress and the Indian society; coping with the violence and hatred that erupted during the partition of India and Pakistan; and enduring several arrests, imprisonments, assaults, and assassination attempts.

What were Mahatma Gandhi’s main symbols and slogans?

Mahatma Gandhi’s main symbols and slogans were the spinning wheel, which represented self-reliance and rural empowerment; the short dhoti, which represented simplicity and identification with the poor; the three monkeys, which represented the principle of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”; the lotus, which represented purity and spirituality; and the slogans “Quit India”, “Do or Die”, and “Hey Ram”.

What were Mahatma Gandhi’s main hobbies and interests?

Mahatma Gandhi’s main hobbies and interests were reading, writing, spinning, walking, gardening, praying, meditating, and fasting. He also enjoyed playing chess, cards, and flute. He was fond of animals, especially goats and monkeys. He had a pet goat named Nirmala, who accompanied him on his travels.

Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most influential and remarkable figures of the 20th century. He dedicated his life to the cause of freedom and justice for his people and for all humanity. He showed the world that nonviolence is a powerful and effective way of fighting oppression and achieving social change. He also demonstrated that truth, love, and service are the essential values of a good life. He left behind a rich legacy of wisdom and inspiration that continues to enlighten and empower millions of people today.

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Gandhi - his life and legacy

The man who opposed violence with peace.

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When the epic film of Gandhi's life first came out in 1983,  America’s Newsweek magazine commented: "There are very few movies that absolutely must be seen. Sir Richard Attenborough’s GANDHI is one of them." The magazine then went on to devote six full pages to the film and its background, unprecedented coverage for a film.

The film, which won no fewer than eight Oscars,  traced the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who was one of the most amazing men of his age. Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, at the age of 78 — and it is with this event that the film begins. We see the bald bespectacled white-robed old man that the world recognises as Gandhi, before suddenly getting taken back to the 1890s, to South Africa, where a certain Mr. Mohandas K. Gandhi was working as a young lawyer .

M.K. Gandhi was a perfect example of a successful son of the British Empire, as it was at the time. He had been born into a well-to-do Hindu merchant family  on October 2 1869 in the town of Porbander in the Indian state of Gujarat.   At the age of 18, on his father's advice, he went to study law in England, returning to India three years later as a qualified lawyer.

Following his student years in London,  he dressed like an educated Englishman, and behaved like one too. Back in India he was recruited by a shipping company, and in 1893 he went to work in the company's offices in Durban, South Africa.

A few weeks after reaching South Africa, he was sent by train from Durban to the capital city Pretoria to settle a dispute for his client. South Africa at the time was controlled by the Boers, Afrikaans -speaking Whites, who believed in racial segregation, and it was during this trip that he first came face to face with the country's race laws. The young London-trained lawyer was sitting in the first class compartment of a train, as was appropriate for anyone of his status, when suddenly an angry White told him to get back to the third class compartment where he belonged. Gandhi's passive refusal to do so led to his being thrown off the train.

 This, according to Gandhi, was the incident which changed his life. Having experienced the way that Indians and other people of colour were discriminated against in South Africa, Gandhi decided to set up a movement to fight without violence for the rights of Indians and against injustice. From then on, the well-off young lawyer from India would use his skills to work against the racial discrimination which existed at the time in South Africa (just as it did in many other parts of the world). Having initially journeyed to South Africa for a short business mission, he ended up spending 21 years in the country, spearheading non-violent campaigns against racial segregation, injustice and discrimination. It was a hard fight, during which Gandhi was beaten up, almost assassinated, and sent to prison four times; but in the end his perseverence and popularity prevailed , and in 1914 Jan Smuts, Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, signed the Indian Relief Act , effectively ending discrimination... for the time being.

By then, Gandhi had returned to India where he was already an almost mythical figure.  In the thirty-four years which followed, Gandhi successfully led his country to Independence from British colonial rule, opposing the British with his policy of non-violent passive resistance. This was the period in his life when he was most influential. Winston Churchill – one of the other "great men" of the 20th century – could not stand Gandhi, and described him  as a seditious fakir . Gandhi represented a force that Churchill could not stop. While Churchill could fight and win against tyrants on the battlefield, Gandhi opposed force with passivity, and violence with peace, and Churchill did not know how to deal with this. What could he do against a man who could lie down on the ground when confronted by police on horseback, or could lead people on a two hundred mile march, in non-violent protest against a government monopoly over salt? Churchill had no answer to this man who inspired massive demonstrations of non violent peasants against the armed power of the British Raj in India.   Were he alive today, Churchill would surely not be happy to see Gandhi's statue (photo top of page)  among the twelve that stand in Parliament Square, London,  just 150 metres from his own.

During his lifetime, Mahatma Gandhi was an inspiration for Indians of all religions, and the man who held India together during the final years of the British Empire. Since then, his legacy -  his principles of non-violence and satyagraha , meaning "pursuit of truth" - have been an inspiration for other  non-violent activists worldwide, including Martin Luther King ,  Nelson Mandela, and even Greta Thunberg.

Gandhi, the film.  The film, directed by Richard Attenborough (the older brother of the environmentalist David Attenborough)  starred Ben Kingsley , whose resemblance to Gandhi was remarkable. Kingsley, who was half Indian by descent, was a stage actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company before being catapulted into the limelight with the success of his role as Gandhi

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2. questions from answers: an interview with gandhi, in 1948  interactive exercise..

Gandhi is nearing the end of his life. Imagine this interview in which he nswers some simple questions from a young journalist.  Gandhi's answers are given below; what were the questions?  Add at least eight words for each question.

1.   What

My father was a merchant, and we had a nice house.

2. Did No, I studied law in London

3. Why My father said that it would be the best place to study it.

4. Did Not really; I'd planned to stay in India, but I get sent to South Africa for my employer.

5. How Just a few weeks... but I stayed there for 21 years!

6. Did No, and that's why I decided to stay there.

7. Do Yes, I think so. In the end Mr Smuts agreed with me. Actually, we got on quite well together.

8. And Churchill! Yes, he was a great man, but he was an imperialist who had different values to mine. I understood him, but he never understood me! .

3. Text contraction

For teachers:.

Gandhi is surely one of the half dozen or so (note the meaning of or so as an approximator) most influential people of the twentieth century.... The article mentions one other, Churchill... and maybe two other names for the list.  Can you students decide on other names that could be included in the list ?

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Mahatma Gandhi Biography: Family, Education, History, Movements, and Facts

Mahatma gandhi's life and methods of struggle impact people now also. the greatness of a man is realized when his life influences people to change for the better, and so was mahatma gandhi's life. after decades of his death, after reading about him, people drastically changed their lives for the better. let's have a look at mahatma gandhi's life, movements, famous quotations written by him, etc. find out about him this martyr's day.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or  Mahatma Gandhi was a renowned freedom activist and an authoritative or powerful political leader who played an essential role in India's struggle for Independence against British rule of India. He was also considered the father of the country. No doubt, he also improved the lives of India's poor people. His birthday is celebrated every year as Gandhi Jayanti. His ideology of truth and non-violence influenced many and was also adopted by Martin Luther and Nelson Mandela for their struggle movement.

Mahatma Gandhi Biography

In South Africa for about 20 years, Mahatma Gandhi protested against injustices and racial discrimination using the non-violent method of protests. His simplistic lifestyle won him, admirers, both in India and the outside world. He was popularly known as Bapu (Father).

Mahatma Gandhi: Early Life and Family Background

He was born on 2 October, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. His father’s name was Karamchand Gandhi and his mother’s name was Putlibai. At the age of 13, Mahatma Gandhi was married to Kasturba which is an arranged marriage. They had four sons namely Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas and Devdas. She supported all the endeavors of her husband until her death in 1944.

His father was Dewan or Chief Minister of Porbandar, the capital of a small principality in Western British India (Now Gujarat State). Mahatma Gandhi was the son of his father's fourth wife Putlibai, who belonged to an affluent Vaishnava family. Let us tell you that in his earlier days, he was deeply influenced by the stories of Shravana and Harishchandra as they reflected the importance of truth.

Mahatma Gandhi: Education 

When Gandhi was 9 years old he went to a local school at Rajkot and studied the basics of arithmetic, history, geography, and languages. At the age of 11, he went to a high school in Rajkot. Because of his wedding, at least about one year, his studies were disturbed and later he joined and completed his schooling. He joined Samaldas college in Bhavnagar in 1888 at Gujarat. Later, one of his family friends Mavji Dave Joshi pursued further studies i.e. law in London. Gandhiji was not satisfied with his studies at Samaldas College and so he became excited by the London proposal and managed to convince his mother and wife that he will not touch non-veg, wine, or women.

Off to London

In the year 1888, Mahatma Gandhi left for London to study law. Thereafter 10 days after arrival, he joined the Inner Temple, one of the four London law colleges, and studied and practiced law. In London, he also joined a Vegetarian Society and was introduced to Bhagavad Gita by some of his vegetarian friends. Later, Bhagavad Gita set an impression and influenced his life.

Top 55 Mahatma Gandhi Quotes for Inspiration and Motivation

Mahatma Gandhi: In South Africa

In May 1893 he went to South Africa to work as a lawyer. There he had a first-hand experience of racial discrimination when he was thrown out of the first-class apartment of the train despite holding the first-class ticket because it was reserved for white people only and no Indian or black was allowed to travel in the first class. This incident had a serious effect on him and he decided to protest against racial discrimination. He further observed that this type of incident was quite common against his fellow Indians who were derogatorily referred to as coolies.

READ|  When and Why British first landed on Indian Territory

On  22 May 1894  Gandhi established the  Natal Indian Congress (NIC)  and worked hard to improve the rights of Indians in South Africa. In a short period, Gandhi became a leader of the Indian community in South Africa.  Tirukkural ancient Indian literature, originally written in Tamil and later translated into various languages. Gandhiji was also influenced by this ancient book. He was influenced by the idea of Satyagraha which is a devotion to truth and in 1906 implemented a non-violent protest. He returned to India in 1915, after spending 21 years of his life in South Africa, and no doubt, there he fought for civil rights and at this time he was transformed into a new person.

Mahatma Gandhi: Role in the Indian Independence Movement

In 1915 , Gandhiji returned to India permanently and joined the Indian National Congress with Gopal Krishna Gokhale as his mentor.

Gandhi's first major achievement was in 1918 when he led the Champaran and Kheda agitations of Bihar and Gujarat. He also led Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Swaraj, and Quit-India movement against the British government.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact

Mahatma Gandhi: Satyagraha

Gandhi identified his overall method of non-violent action as Satyagraha. Gandhiji's Satyagraha influenced eminent personalities such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther in their struggle for freedom, equality, and social justice. Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha was based on true principles and non-violence.

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Gandhi

READ|  Champaran Satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi: Death

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was assassinated on  30 January 1948 by Nathuram Godse. Godse was a Hindu nationalist and a member of the Hindu Mahasabha. He accused Gandhi of favoring Pakistan and was opposed to the doctrine of non-violence.

Mahatma Gandhi: Literary works

Gandhi was a prolific writer. Some of his literary works are as follows:

• Hind Swaraj, published in Gujarati in 1909. 

• He edited several newspapers which included Harijan in Gujarati, in Hindi and the English language; Indian Opinion, Young India, in English, and Navajivan, a Gujarati monthly. 

• Gandhi also wrote his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth.

• His other autobiographies included: Satyagraha in South Africa, Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule.

Gandhi Jayanti Quiz: GK Questions and Answers About Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi: Awards

• In  1930 , Gandhi was named the Man of the Year by Time Magazine.

• In  2011 , Time magazine named Gandhi as one of the top 25 political icons of all time.

• He did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize despite being nominated five times between 1937 and 1948.

• The Government of India institutionalized the annual Gandhi Peace Prize to distinguished social workers, world leaders, and citizens. Nelson Mandela, the leader of South Africa's struggle against apartheid was a recipient of the award.

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." - Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi: Film

Ben Kingsley portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in the  1982  film Gandhi, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Therefore, Mahatma Gandhi will be remembered forever as he spread the message of non-violence, truth, and faith in God, and also he fought for India's Independence. His methods inspired various leaders, and youth not only in India but also outside of India. In Indian history, he is considered the most prominent personality and as the simplest person who wears a dhoti. He spread the message of swaraj and taught Indians how to become independent.

• According to Britannica, "The United Nations declared Gandhi's birthday, October 2nd, as the International Day of Non-violence in 2007."
• While the world knows him as Mahatma Gandhi, a beacon of nonviolent resistance and Indian independence, his journey began with a more humble name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Born in 1869, Mohandas' life took a pivotal turn when he encountered the title that would forever shape his legacy: Mahatma.
• In 1883, at the tender age of 13, Mohandas Gandhi's life took a significant turn when he was arranged to marry Kasturba Makhanji, who was also 13 at the time.
• In 1930, the world watched with bated breath as India's independence movement gained momentum under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. His unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance, his charisma, and his ability to mobilise millions made him the Person of the Year by the Time Magazine. 
• A lifelong vegetarian, Mr. Gandhi's meals centered on fresh vegetables, curd, fruits, seeds, and nuts.

READ| Journey of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India

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• Gandhi: A Select Bibliographic Guide

by Vinay Lal 

A minimal familiarity with the outlines of Gandhi’s life might be acquired by consulting any one of the following biographies:   Geoffrey Ashe, Gandhi (New York, 1969); Judith Brown, Gandhi:  Prisoner of Hope (Yale, 1990): Louis Fischer, The Life of Mahatma Gandhi (New York, 1950); Dhananjay Keer, Mahatma Gandhi:  Political Saint and Unarmed Prophet (Bombay, 1973); B. R. Nanda, Mahatma Gandhi: A Biography (1st ed., 1958; expanded edition, New Delhi:  Oxford UP, 1981); and Robert Payne, The Life and Death of Mahatma Gandhi (Dutton, 1969).  This list does not indicate my endorsement of any particular biography, and you can pick up some other biography of your choice.  There are very short biographies of Gandhi as well, some of considerable merit, such as George Woodcock’s little study, Mohandas Gandhi , for the Modern Masters series (New York:  Viking Press, 1971), Catherine Clement’s Gandhi:  Father of a Nation (London:  Thames & Hudson, 1996); Bhikhu Parekh’s Gandhi (Oxford University Press, 1997); and Krishna Kripalani’s Gandhi:  A Life (1968; reprint ed., New Delhi:  National Book Trust, 1982)  In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Indian independence, a number of new studies of Gandhi’s life were released, but the more recent biographies of Gandhi are not demonstrably better than previous ones.  For a more comprehensive account, see the 8-volume biography by D. G. Tendulkar, Mahatma:  Life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (New Delhi, 1951), which has the advantage of reproducing many of Gandhi’s speeches and writings, often in their entirety, and the 4 volumes of Pyarelal’s biography, The Early Phase and The Last Phase (Ahmedabad, various years).  But Tendulkar has few insights into Gandhi’s life and thinking and is predominantly a chronicler.

Reference Material and Scholarly Studies:  A Brief Note

Constant use should be made of The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi , 100 volumes (Delhi: Government of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Publications Division, 1951-1995; this includes the supplementary volumes).  Quite handy iis Index of Subjects to the Collected Works (1988).  The three-volume anthology edited by Raghavan Iyer, The Moral and Political Writings of Mahatma Gandhi (New York and Delhi:  Oxford UP, 1989) is not only more manageable but is superbly edited, and except for specialists seeking to write on Gandhi at length, will suffice as a representative and thoughtful selection of Gandhi’s voluminous writings.  There are, besides, literally hundreds of anthologies of Gandhi’s writings, and in his own lifetime Navajivan Press as well as other publishers brought out collections of Gandhi’s writings on particular subjects, such as nature cure, Hindu-Muslim relations, village reconstruction, non-violence, and so on.  For a small sample, see the following booklets (and in some cases small books) of Gandhi’s thoughts on particular subjects released by Navajivan:  The Moral Basis of Vegetarianism (1959); Woman’s Role in Society (1959); Trusteeship (1960); Medium of Instruction (1954); Bapu and Children (1962); Bread Labour [ The Gospel of Work ] (1960); and The Message of the Gita (1959).  Among the more creative anthologies, the following readily come to mind:  Pushpa Joshi, ed., Gandhi on Women (Ahmedabad:  Navajivan Publishing House, 1998, in association with Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi; cf. the selections found in Gandhi to the Women , ed. Anand Hingorani [Delhi, 1941]); Nehru on Gandhi (New York:  John Day Company, 1942); Gandhi on Non-Violence , ed with introduction by Thomas Merton (New York:  New Directions paperback, 1964 — this is a thoughtful albeit much too brief introduction to the subject); What is Hinduism? (New Delhi:  National Book Trust for Indian Council for Historical Research, 1994).  An extremely useful survey on the anthologizing of Gandhi is to be found in Stephen Hay, “Anthologies Compiled from the Writings, Speeches, Letters, and Recorded Conversations of M. K. Gandhi”, Journal of the American Oriental Society 110, no. 4 (October-December 1990), pp. 667-76.

There are numerous bibliographies on Gandhi, but all are severely dated. Among thousands of scholarly monographs on Gandhi, the following may be consulted with some profit and pleasure — some are available in newer editions or reprints, even if not mentioned below:

Alter, Joseph S.  Gandhi’s Body:  Sex, Diet, and the Politics of Nationalism . Philadelphia:  University of Pennsylvania Press, 2000.

Ambedkar, B. R. What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables .  1945, reprint ed., Lahore, 1977.  For a contemporary rejoinder, see K. Santhanam’s Ambedkar’s Attack (New Delhi: Hindustan Times, 1946).

Bondurant, Joan.  Conquest of Violence: The Gandhian Philosophy of Conflict .  Rev. ed., Berkeley: University of California Press, 1971.

Borman, William.  Gandhi and Non-Violence .  New York:  State University of New York Press, 1986.

Chatterjee, Margaret.  Gandhi’s Religious Thought .  University of Notre Dame Press, 1983.

Dalton, Dennis.  Mahatma Gandhi:  Nonviolent Power in Action .  New York:  Columbia University Press, 1993.

Dhavan, Gopinath.  The Political Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi .  Bombay, 1946; reprint, Delhi, 1990. Extremely good for the ‘grammar’ of satyagraha.

Erikson, Erik H.  Gandhi’s Truth:  On the Origins of Militant Nonviolence .  New York:  W. W. Norton, 1969.  Psychoanalytic interpretation.

Fox, Richard.  Gandhian Utopia:  Experiments with Culture .  Boston:  Beacon Press, 1989.

Green, Martin.  The Challenge of the Mahatmas .  New York:  Basic Books, 1978.

Green, Martin.  The Origins of Nonviolence:  Tolstoy and Gandhi in their Historical Settings .  Pennsylvania State University Press, 1986.

Green, Martin. Gandhi:  Voice of a New Age Revolution .  New York:  Continuum, 1993.

Hunt, James D.  Gandhi in London .  New Delhi:  Promilla & Co., 1978.

Hutchins, Francis G.  India’s Revolution:  Gandhi and the Quit India Movement .  Cambridge, Mass.:  Harvard UP, 1973.

Iyer, Raghavan. The Moral and Political Thought of Mahatma Gandhi .  New York:  Oxford Univ. Press, 1973.  Perhaps the single best study of a conventional sort of Gandhian thought.

Jordens, J. T. F.  Gandhi’s Religion:  A Homespun Shawl .  New York:  St. Martin’s Press; London:  Macmillan, 1998.

Juergensmeyer, Mark.  Fighting with Gandhi .  New York, 1984.

Kapur, Sudarshan.  Raising Up a Prophet:  The African-American Encounter with Gandhi .  Boston:  Beacon Press, 1992.

Khanna, Suman.  Gandhi and the Good Life .  New Delhi:  Gandhi Peace Foundation, 1985.

Kishwar, Madhu.  Gandhi and Women .  Delhi:  Manushi Prakashan, 1986.  [First published in two successive issues of the Economic and Political Weekly 20, nos. 40-41 (1985).]

Nanda, B. R.  Gandhi and His Critics .  Delhi:  Oxford UP, 1985.

Parekh, Bhikhu.  Colonialism, Tradition and Reform:  An Analysis of Gandhi’s Political Discourse .  New Delhi:  Sage, 1989.

Parekh, Bhikhu.  Gandhi’s Political Philosophy:  A Critical Examination .  London:  Macmillan, 1989; reprint ed., Columbus, Missouri:  South Asia Books, 1996.

Patel, Jehangir P. and Marjorie Sykes, Gandhi: The Gift of the Fight .  Rasulia, Madhya Pradesh:  Friends Rural Centre, 1987.  Anecdotal rather than scholarly but very insightful.

Pinto, Vivek.  Gandhi’s Vision and Values:  The Moral Quest for Change in Indian Agriculture .  New Delhi:  Sage, 1998.

Pouchepadass, Jacques.  Champaran and Gandhi:  Planters, Peasants and Gandhian Politics .  New Delhi:  Oxford UP, 1999.  [Compare: Rajendra Prasad, Satyagraha in Champaran (2nd ed., Ahmedabad:  Navajivan Publishing House, 1949) and D. G. Tendulkar, Gandhi in Champaran (New Delhi:  Publications Division, Government of India, 1957).]

Prasad, Nageshwar, ed. Hind Swaraj:  A Fresh Look .  Delhi:  Gandhi Peace Foundation, 1985.

Rao, K. L. Seshagiri.  Mahatma Gandhi and Comparative Religion .  New Delhi:  Motilal Banarsidass, 1978.

Swan, Maureen. Gandhi:  The South African Experience .  Johannesburg:  Ravan Press, 1985.  Critical of Gandhi but not wholly persuasive.

Terchek, Ronald J.  Gandhi:  Struggling for Autonomy .  Lanham, Maryland:  Rowman & Littlefield, 1999.  A study with a more expansive conception of Gandhian politics than ordinarily encountered in the literature.

Essay on Mahatma Gandhi – Contributions and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

500+ words essay on mahatma gandhi.

Essay on Mahatma Gandhi – Mahatma Gandhi was a great patriotic Indian, if not the greatest. He was a man of an unbelievably great personality. He certainly does not need anyone like me praising him. Furthermore, his efforts for Indian independence are unparalleled. Most noteworthy, there would have been a significant delay in independence without him. Consequently, the British because of his pressure left India in 1947. In this essay on Mahatma Gandhi, we will see his contribution and legacy.

Contributions of Mahatma Gandhi

First of all, Mahatma Gandhi was a notable public figure. His role in social and political reform was instrumental. Above all, he rid the society of these social evils. Hence, many oppressed people felt great relief because of his efforts. Gandhi became a famous international figure because of these efforts. Furthermore, he became the topic of discussion in many international media outlets.

Mahatma Gandhi made significant contributions to environmental sustainability. Most noteworthy, he said that each person should consume according to his needs. The main question that he raised was “How much should a person consume?”. Gandhi certainly put forward this question.

Furthermore, this model of sustainability by Gandhi holds huge relevance in current India. This is because currently, India has a very high population . There has been the promotion of renewable energy and small-scale irrigation systems. This was due to Gandhiji’s campaigns against excessive industrial development.

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence is probably his most important contribution. This philosophy of non-violence is known as Ahimsa. Most noteworthy, Gandhiji’s aim was to seek independence without violence. He decided to quit the Non-cooperation movement after the Chauri-Chaura incident . This was due to the violence at the Chauri Chaura incident. Consequently, many became upset at this decision. However, Gandhi was relentless in his philosophy of Ahimsa.

Secularism is yet another contribution of Gandhi. His belief was that no religion should have a monopoly on the truth. Mahatma Gandhi certainly encouraged friendship between different religions.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi has influenced many international leaders around the world. His struggle certainly became an inspiration for leaders. Such leaders are Martin Luther King Jr., James Beve, and James Lawson. Furthermore, Gandhi influenced Nelson Mandela for his freedom struggle. Also, Lanza del Vasto came to India to live with Gandhi.

The awards given to Mahatma Gandhi are too many to discuss. Probably only a few nations remain which have not awarded Mahatma Gandhi.

In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi was one of the greatest political icons ever. Most noteworthy, Indians revere by describing him as the “father of the nation”. His name will certainly remain immortal for all generations.

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

• Mahatma Gandhi
• APJ Abdul Kalam
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Swami Vivekananda
• Mother Teresa
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Subhash Chandra Bose
• Abraham Lincoln
• Martin Luther King

FAQs on Mahatma Gandhi

Q.1 Why Mahatma Gandhi decided to stop Non-cooperation movement?

A.1 Mahatma Gandhi decided to stop the Non-cooperation movement. This was due to the infamous Chauri-Chaura incident. There was significant violence at this incident. Furthermore, Gandhiji was strictly against any kind of violence.

Q.2 Name any two leaders influenced by Mahatma Gandhi?

A.2 Two leaders influenced by Mahatma Gandhi are Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela.

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Essay on mahatma gandhi: biography of mahatma gandhi | 800+ words.

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation in India. He was a freedom fighter, political leader, and spiritual teacher who dedicated his life to nonviolent resistance and social justice. In this essay on Mahatma Gandhi biography in English, we will explore his life, legacy, and achievements. From his humble beginnings in Porbandar, Gujarat, to his leadership in India's independence movement, Gandhi's teachings and philosophy have had a profound impact on social and political movements around the world. This essay will delve into his life's work and highlight the enduring legacy of this remarkable individual.

In this article, we have shared 800+ words essay on mahatama gandhi, including all the birth, childhood, marriage and education of Mahatma Gandhi.

Essay On Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is also known as Mahatma Gandhi is considered to be the father of this country. In the fight for independence against British rule, he was the leader of the nationalist movement. He was an Indian lawyer, political ethicist, anti-colonial nationalist, writer, and a kind-hearted person.

Birth and Childhood

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, the year 1869 in a place named Porbandar, Gujrat in northwest India. He was born in a Hindu Modh family. His father Karamchand Gandhi was a political figure and also the chief minister of Porbandar. His mother named Putlibai Gandhi was the fourth wife of his father, previous wives died during childbirth. Gandhi was born in a vaishya family that's why from an early age of life he learned a lot of things such as non-injury to living beings, tolerance and vegetarianism.

In May 1883, he was 13 years old when he got married to a girl named Kasturba Makhanji, who was also 13 years old, this marriage was arranged by their parents. They together had four sons, Harilal (1888), Manilal (1892), Ramdas (1897), Devdas (1900).

In this essay on Mahatma Gandhi, let's know about Mahatma Gandhi's education Porbandar did not have enough chance of education, all the children in school used to write in dust with their fingers. However, he was lucky that his father became the chief minister of another city named Rajkot. He was average in education. At the age of 13, he lost a year at school due to marriage. He was not a shining student in the classroom or playground, but he always obeyed the given order by elders.

That's why like other kids he did not go through all the teenage life. He wanted to eat meat but never did because of their parent's beliefs. In the year of 1887, Gandhi passed the matriculation examination from the University of Bombay and joined a college in Bhavnagar named Samaldas College. It was clear for him by then that if he has to maintain his family tradition and become a high office working person in the state of Gujarat, he would have to become a barrister.

At the age of 18, he was offered to continue his studies in London and he was not very happy at Samaldas College so he accepted the offer and sailed to London in September 1888. After reaching London, He was having difficulty understanding the culture and understanding the English language. Some days after arrival he joined a Law college named Inner Temple which was one of the four London law colleges.

The transformation of changing life from a city to India studying in a college in England was not easy for him but he took his study very seriously and started to brush up his English and Latin. His vegetarianism became a very problematic subject for him as everyone around him as eating meat and he started to feel embarrassed.

Some of his new friends in London said some of the things like not eating meat will make him weak physically and mentally. But eventually, he found a vegetarian restaurant and a book that helped him understand the reason to become a vegetarian. From childhood, he wanted to eat meat himself but never did because of his parents but now in London, he was convinced that he finally embraced vegetarianism and never again thought of eating meat.

After some time he became an active member of the society called London vegetarian society and started to attend all the conferences and journals. In England not only Gandhi met Food faddists but also met some men and women who had vast knowledge about Bhagavad-Gita, Bible, Mahabharata, etc. From them, he learned a lot about Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and many others.

Many people he met were rebels not supporting the Victorian establishment from these people Gandhi slowly absorbed politics, personality, and more importantly ideas. He passed his study from England and became a Barrister but there was some painful news was waiting for him back at home in India. In January 1891 Gandhi's mother died while Gandhi was still in London.

He came back to India in July 1891 and started to begin the legal career but he lost his very first case in India. He soon realized that the legal profession was heavily overcrowded and he changed his path. He then was offered to be a teacher in Bombay high school but he turned it down and returned to Rajkot. With the dream of living a good life, he started to draft petitions for litigants which soon ended with the dissatisfaction of a local British officer.

Fortunately in the year 1893, he got an offer to go to Natal, South Africa and work there in an Indian firm for 1 year as it was a contract basis.

Civil Right Movement in Africa

South Africa was waiting with a lot of challenges and opportunities for him. From there he started to grow a new leaf. In South Africa 2 of his four sons were born. He had to face many difficulties there too. Once he as advocating for his client and he had to flee from the court because he was so nervous, he wasn't able to talk properly. But the bigger problem was waiting for him, as he had to face racial discrimination in South Africa.

In the journey from Durban to Pretoria, he faced a lot from, being asked to take off the turban in a court to travel on a car footboard to make room for European passenger but he refused. He was beaten by a taxi driver and thrown out of a first-class compartment but these instances made him strong and gave him the strength to fight for justice.

He started to educate others about their rights and duties. When he learned about a bill to deprive Indians of the right to vote, it was that time when others begged him to take up the fight on behalf of them. Eventually at the age of 25 in July 1894 he became a proficient political campaigner.

He drafted petitions and got them signed by hundreds of compatriots. He was not able to stop the bill but succeeded in drawing the attention of the public in Natal, England, and India. He then built many societies in Durban. He planted the seed, spirit of solidarity in the Indian community.

Very well known newspapers of that time such as The Times of London and The Statesman and Englishman of Calcutta were writing about him from this his success could be measured. He began to wear white Indian dhoti in this time-period which later became his trademark. He started a non-violent protest against tax also known as "Satyagraha" where he led a march with more than 2000 people and later he was arrested and for nine-month he was in prison.

His contribution to India's Freedom struggle and Achievements

Back in India, in the year of 1919, the British started to arrest and imprison anyone they suspect of sedition that's when Gandhi stood up and started non-violent disobedience. Gandhi's goal about Indian's independence got cleared after a tragic incident when more than 20000 protesters were getting open fired by the British army in the city of Amritsar.

400 people were killed and 1000 injured. He started the mass boycotts of British goods and institutions and told everyone to stop working for the British. In 1992 he was again got arrested and got a 6-year prison sentence. In 1930 he started the salt march and a very well known campaign of walking 390km to the Arabian Sea shores.

The salt act protesters around 60,000 including Gandhi were imprisoned. At the time of World War II, Gandhi started his campaign if Quit India to banish British rule from the country, he was again arrested and sent to prison with many other well-known leaders of Indian Congress. He met King George V on behalf of the Indian National Congress, but there was not that much progress.

After the End of the war, Britain's government was changed and this time progress was made they were willing to discuss independence for India but a tragic event followed by it partition of the country into India and Pakistan. In 1947 India gained independence. In the year of 1948, a Hindu extremist killed Gandhi. In this essay on Mahatma Gandhi, learn about the contributions made by Mahatma Gandhi!

What he was famous for?

He was known for his silent protest, disobedience campaign in India, Satyagraha, and passive resistance. His death made India mourn for 13 days, His birthday 2nd October is celebrated as a national holiday in India.

Why he was called Mahatma?

The title Mahatma means "great- soul". It is a title that was given to him by Rabindranath Tagore but he thinks he is not worthy of this title so he never accepted it.

Books dedicated to him or written by him

He was a writer from an early age, he liked writing books and there are many books written by him. Some of the most famous of them is Autobiography of Gandhi, The Essential Gandhi, Hind Swaraj and other writings, the words of Gandhi, Satyagraha in South Africa, and many more.

Many writers have written about Mahatma Gandhi some of them are Great Soul by Joseph Lelyveld, Gandhi Before India by Ramachandra Guha, The Good Boatman by Rajmohan Gandhi, Gandhi: Prisoner of hope by Judith M. Brown, etc.

While writing an essay on mahatma gandhi you can include books dedicated to him or his autobiographies.

Mahatma Gandhi Struggled very much from his early life but regardless of all the suffering, he made his way. And he is a very important part of our history of independence. We hope we have covered all the detail in this essay on Mahatma Gandhi for you to write a perfect essay!

Short Essay On Mahatma Gandhi Biography In English 

Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was a prominent Indian leader who played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. This essay on Mahatma Gandhi biography in English will explore his life, legacy, and achievements.

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. After studying law in London, he moved to South Africa, where he fought against discrimination faced by the Indian community. His experiences in South Africa would later shape his philosophy of nonviolent resistance or Satyagraha.

Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi became a prominent leader in India's independence movement. He advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against British colonial rule. His leadership and vision played a crucial role in India's eventual independence in 1947.

Gandhi's teachings have had a profound impact on social and political movements around the world. His message of nonviolent resistance has inspired many leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. He was a spiritual leader who believed in the power of love and compassion to bring about social change.

In addition to his political achievements, Gandhi was also an advocate for social justice and equality. He fought against caste discrimination, championed the rights of women, and promoted communal harmony.

In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi was a remarkable individual whose life and teachings continue to inspire people around the world. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance, his leadership in India's independence movement, and his advocacy for social justice and equality make him a true hero of our time. This essay on Mahatma Gandhi biography in English is a testament to his enduring legacy.

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• May,13 2021

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