Biography of Mahatma Gandhi

Here we provide a comprehensive biography of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential leaders in the history of India and the world. Known for his philosophy of nonviolence and his pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence, Gandhi’s life and legacy continue to inspire movements for civil rights and social justice globally.

Life and Works of Mahatma Gandhi

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Date of Birth	October 2, 1869
Place of Birth	Porbandar, Gujarat, India
Date of Death	January 30, 1948
Place of Death	New Delhi, India
Occupation	Lawyer, Politician, Activist
Education	Law degree from University College London
Spouse	Kasturba Gandhi
Children	Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, Devdas
Known For	Leading the Indian independence movement, Nonviolent civil disobedience (Satyagraha)
Notable Movements	Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt March, Quit India Movement
Philosophies	Ahimsa (Nonviolence), Satyagraha (Truth force), Sarvodaya (Universal upliftment)
Major Works	Autobiography: “The Story of My Experiments with Truth”
Legacy	International Day of Non-Violence (October 2), Inspiring global civil rights movements

Early Life and Education of Mahatma Gandhi

Birth and Family Background

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, later known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a small coastal town in the Kathiawar Agency of British India, now part of the state of Gujarat. He was the youngest child of Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi, who was the dewan (chief minister) of Porbandar, and his fourth wife, Putlibai Gandhi. The family belonged to the Modh Bania caste, a mercantile community.

Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Kaba Gandhi, was a capable administrator who served as the prime minister in Porbandar, Rajkot, and other small princely states. Putlibai, deeply religious, influenced young Gandhi with her devout practices, including regular fasting and visits to the temple.

Childhood

Gandhi was deeply influenced by his mother’s dedication to Jainism, which emphasized principles like nonviolence, fasting, meditation, and vegetarianism. He grew up in an environment steeped in Vaishnavism (worship of the god Vishnu) and was also exposed to Jain religious principles. His mother’s piety left a lasting impression on him, shaping his ethical and spiritual outlook.

As a child, Gandhi was a shy and mediocre student. He was an average pupil in academics but had a keen interest in stories of Indian heroes and saints, which fueled his imagination and moral development. He attended local schools in Porbandar and later Rajkot, where his family moved when his father became the prime minister of Rajkot .

Marriage

In May 1883, at the age of 13, Gandhi was married to Kasturbai Makhanji Kapadia, later known as Kasturba Gandhi, in an arranged marriage. This was a common practice in his culture at the time. Kasturba was also 13 years old. The young couple had four sons: Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, and Devdas. Gandhi later expressed regret about marrying so young, as it interrupted his education and forced him into responsibilities he felt unprepared for (mint).

Education

Gandhi’s formal education began in Porbandar, but the family’s move to Rajkot provided him access to better schooling. He attended the Alfred High School in Rajkot. Gandhi was an unremarkable student, both in terms of grades and behavior. However, he was deeply influenced by the teachings of his school headmaster, who stressed the importance of character and integrity over academic success.

After completing his schooling, Gandhi enrolled at Samaldas College in Bhavnagar State. However, he found the transition from high school to college challenging and was unhappy with the curriculum and his performance.

In 1888, at the age of 18, Gandhi left for London to study law at University College London. His family had mixed feelings about his departure, primarily because of the strict dietary and cultural practices they followed, which they feared he might abandon in a foreign land. Nevertheless, Gandhi promised to adhere to vegetarianism and abstain from alcohol and promiscuity.

London and Legal Studies

In London, Gandhi faced cultural shock and homesickness. Determined to adapt while maintaining his principles, he joined the London Vegetarian Society and became an active member, even contributing articles to its journal. This involvement not only reinforced his dietary practices but also introduced him to a network of progressive thinkers and activists.

Gandhi studied law diligently, although he was not particularly fond of the legal system. He passed his examinations and was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in June 1891. During his time in London, Gandhi was also influenced by the Sermon on the Mount and various works on the philosophy of nonviolence and civil rights, which later shaped his ideologies

Return to India

Upon returning to India in 1891, Gandhi faced difficulties establishing a legal practice. His initial attempts in Bombay (now Mumbai) were unsuccessful, prompting him to move back to Rajkot. However, his career took a turn when he accepted an offer to work as a legal advisor in South Africa, setting the stage for his transformation into a global leader of civil rights and nonviolent resistance.

Gandhi’s early life and education were marked by a blend of traditional values and exposure to diverse cultural and intellectual influences, which collectively shaped his unique approach to social and political activism.

South Africa and the Civil Rights Movement

Arrival in South Africa

In April 1893, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi arrived in South Africa to serve as a legal representative for Dada Abdulla & Co., a large trading firm. He intended to stay for one year, but the racial discrimination he faced and witnessed there profoundly affected him and extended his stay to 21 years, fundamentally shaping his philosophy and approach to civil rights.

Early Experiences of Discrimination

Shortly after his arrival, Gandhi experienced racial discrimination firsthand. While traveling to Pretoria, he was thrown out of a first-class train compartment despite holding a valid ticket, simply because he was Indian. This incident, along with other humiliations, such as being barred from staying in certain hotels and being beaten for refusing to give up his seat for a European passenger, galvanized Gandhi into action.

Establishment of the Natal Indian Congress

In response to the discrimination faced by the Indian community, Gandhi helped establish the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) in 1894. The NIC aimed to fight for the rights of Indians in South Africa, providing a unified voice for the community. Gandhi’s role involved organizing petitions to the authorities, raising public awareness, and rallying the Indian community to stand up against discriminatory practices.

Development of Satyagraha

The pivotal moment in Gandhi’s South African campaign was the introduction of the Asiatic Registration Act (the Black Act) in 1906, which required all Indians to register and carry identification at all times. Gandhi organized mass protests and called for nonviolent resistance against this unjust law. This marked the birth of his philosophy of Satyagraha, meaning “truth force” or “soul force.”

Satyagraha was based on the principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, encouraging individuals to peacefully defy laws they found unjust. Gandhi’s approach drew from various influences, including Hinduism, Jainism, and the works of Leo Tolstoy, John Ruskin, and Henry David Thoreau.

Key Campaigns in South Africa

1906-1914 Satyagraha Campaigns: Gandhi led several key campaigns against discriminatory laws in South Africa:
- Registration Campaign (1907-1908): Gandhi organized a mass refusal to register under the Black Act. Thousands of Indians burned their registration certificates in protest. This act of defiance led to arrests, including Gandhi’s.
- Campaign against the Immigration Restriction Act (1908-1911): This law aimed to restrict Indian immigration. Gandhi mobilized the community to resist and drew international attention to their plight.
- The Great March (1913): In response to a court ruling invalidating marriages not conducted according to Christian rites, Gandhi led a march of thousands from Natal to the Transvaal, protesting the ruling and the broader discriminatory laws. This march and the subsequent strikes by Indian workers were pivotal in drawing attention to the injustices faced by the Indian community.

Personal Transformation

During his time in South Africa, Gandhi underwent significant personal transformations:

He adopted a simpler lifestyle, embracing vegetarianism, and self-discipline.
He began practicing celibacy and focused on spiritual and moral development.
He founded the Phoenix Settlement near Durban in 1904 and later the Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg in 1910, which served as communal living spaces for activists and their families, emphasizing self-sufficiency and collective living.

Legacy in South Africa

Gandhi’s efforts in South Africa led to several significant victories for the Indian community:

In 1914, a compromise was reached with the South African government, repealing the Black Act and recognizing Indian marriages, among other concessions.
His nonviolent resistance strategies laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements globally, influencing leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Gandhi left South Africa in 1915, returning to India where he would later become the leader of the Indian independence movement. The principles and tactics he developed in South Africa became the cornerstone of his approach to social and political activism.

Return to India and the Indian Independence Movement

Return to India (1915)

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in January 1915, at the age of 45. His arrival marked a new chapter in the Indian struggle for independence. By this time, he had already earned a reputation as a formidable leader and strategist due to his successful civil rights campaigns in South Africa.

Upon his return, Gandhi was warmly welcomed by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a respected leader of the Indian National Congress (INC), who became his mentor. Gokhale advised Gandhi to travel across India to understand the conditions and sentiments of the Indian people. Following this advice, Gandhi spent a year observing and learning about the diverse social, economic, and political issues facing the country.

Champaran and Kheda Agitations (1917-1918)

Gandhi’s first major involvement in Indian affairs began with the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917. He was approached by peasants from Champaran in Bihar, who were being forced by British planters to grow indigo under oppressive conditions. Gandhi launched a campaign of nonviolent resistance, which involved mobilizing the peasants and documenting their grievances. His efforts led to an official investigation and significant relief for the farmers.

In 1918, Gandhi led another significant campaign in Kheda, Gujarat, where poor farmers were struggling under a severe famine but were still expected to pay full taxes. Gandhi organized a tax revolt, advising farmers to withhold payment until their demands for tax relief were met. The campaign was successful, resulting in the suspension of revenue collection and other concessions from the authorities.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

One of Gandhi’s most notable contributions to the Indian independence movement was the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920. This movement was a direct response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indian protesters. Gandhi urged Indians to withdraw from British institutions, including schools, courts, and legislatures, and to boycott British goods.

The Non-Cooperation Movement gained massive support, drawing millions into the struggle for independence. However, it was abruptly called off by Gandhi in 1922 following the violent incident at Chauri Chaura, where a mob killed 22 policemen. Gandhi’s insistence on nonviolence led him to suspend the campaign, which caused a temporary setback for the movement but reinforced his commitment to nonviolent resistance .

Salt March (1930)

The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, was one of Gandhi’s most significant and symbolic acts of civil disobedience. In March 1930, Gandhi embarked on a 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi to protest the British monopoly on salt production and sales. Upon reaching Dandi, he made salt from seawater, openly defying British law.

The Salt March sparked widespread acts of civil disobedience across India, with millions joining the cause. It drew global attention to the Indian independence movement and demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent protest. The campaign led to the imprisonment of over 60,000 people, including Gandhi himself, but significantly weakened British authority in India .

Quit India Movement (1942)

The Quit India Movement, launched by Gandhi in August 1942, was a decisive moment in the struggle for independence. With World War II ongoing and the British refusing to grant immediate independence, Gandhi issued a call for the British to “Quit India.” The movement aimed to achieve complete independence and was marked by mass protests, strikes, and acts of defiance.

The British government responded with severe repression, arresting Gandhi and other leaders and employing violence to suppress the uprising. Despite the crackdown, the movement demonstrated the Indian populace’s widespread desire for independence. The Quit India Movement is often credited with making British rule in India untenable, leading to eventual negotiations for independence.

Legacy and Impact

Gandhi’s leadership in the Indian independence movement was characterized by his unwavering commitment to nonviolence (Ahimsa) and civil disobedience (Satyagraha). His strategies not only mobilized millions of Indians but also garnered international support for the cause. Gandhi’s approach emphasized the moral and ethical dimensions of the struggle, which significantly influenced other global movements for civil rights and freedom.

Gandhi’s role in the independence movement solidified his status as a key figure in India’s history and a global icon of peace and nonviolence. His efforts culminated in India gaining independence on August 15, 1947, although he was deeply saddened by the partition of India and Pakistan, which led to significant violence and displacement.

Philosophy and Beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and beliefs were deeply rooted in a blend of traditional Indian values and influences from various religious and philosophical traditions. His thoughts and practices have had a profound impact on political movements, civil rights campaigns, and individual lives across the globe. Here is a detailed overview of his key philosophies and beliefs:

Ahimsa (Nonviolence)

Ahimsa is the principle of nonviolence towards all living beings. It is central to Gandhi’s philosophy and was influenced by Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Gandhi believed that nonviolence was not merely a passive state but an active force of love and truth. He advocated for ahimsa as a way to achieve political and social goals without causing harm.

Practical Application: Gandhi employed ahimsa in various movements, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Salt March, and the Quit India Movement. He argued that violence only begets more violence and that true victory can only be achieved through nonviolent means.
Global Influence: Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence inspired global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Cesar Chavez, who adopted similar principles in their struggles for civil rights and social justice.

Satyagraha (Truth Force)

Satyagraha is a form of nonviolent resistance or civil disobedience rooted in the pursuit of truth and justice. The term combines the Sanskrit words “Satya” (truth) and “Agraha” (insistence or holding firmly to).

Core Idea: Gandhi viewed satyagraha as a way to confront injustice without resorting to violence. It involves a deep commitment to truth and a willingness to endure suffering without retaliating.
Campaigns: Satyagraha was effectively used during the Indian independence struggle, particularly in the campaigns against the Rowlatt Act, the Salt March, and various other civil disobedience movements.
Moral Foundation: For Gandhi, satyagraha was not just a political tool but a moral and spiritual quest. He believed that the force of truth and the willingness to suffer for a righteous cause would eventually bring about social and political change.

Sarvodaya (Universal Upliftment)

Sarvodaya means the welfare of all. It encapsulates Gandhi’s vision of an ideal society where the well-being of every individual is taken into account.

Economic and Social Justice: Gandhi advocated for economic self-sufficiency and equitable distribution of resources. He opposed industrial capitalism’s exploitative nature and instead promoted a village-based economy with small-scale industries and crafts.
Community and Self-Reliance: He encouraged the concept of Swaraj (self-rule) not only in terms of political independence but also personal and community self-reliance. The idea was to build a self-sufficient, self-governing society where everyone contributes to the collective welfare.
Influence on Movements: Gandhi’s ideas on sarvodaya influenced various movements, including the Bhoodan (land gift) movement led by Vinoba Bhave, which aimed to redistribute land to the landless .

Spirituality and Religion

Gandhi’s spirituality was deeply personal and eclectic, drawing from various religious traditions.

Hinduism: As a devout Hindu, Gandhi practiced daily prayer, meditation, and reading of the Bhagavad Gita, which he considered his spiritual guide. He interpreted Hindu scriptures in a way that emphasized ethical conduct and universal love.
Interfaith Harmony: Gandhi believed in the fundamental unity of all religions. He studied Christianity, Islam, Jainism, and Buddhism, and engaged in interfaith dialogues to promote religious harmony. He often quoted from the Bible, the Quran, and other religious texts in his speeches and writings.
Moral and Ethical Conduct: For Gandhi, spirituality was not separate from daily life. He believed in living a life of simplicity, humility, and service to others. His principles of truth (Satya) and nonviolence (Ahimsa) were deeply intertwined with his spiritual beliefs.

Economic Philosophy

Gandhi’s economic views were centered around the concept of self-sufficiency and the rejection of materialism.

Swadeshi: Gandhi promoted the Swadeshi movement, which encouraged the use of Indian-made goods and the boycott of British products. He believed in the empowerment of local industries, particularly the spinning and weaving of khadi (homespun cloth), as a means to achieve economic independence.
Simple Living: Gandhi advocated for a simple, minimalist lifestyle. He believed that material excess leads to moral and spiritual degradation. His own life was an example of this principle, as he lived with minimal possessions and wore simple clothes made from khadi.
Critique of Industrialization: Gandhi was critical of large-scale industrialization, which he saw as dehumanizing and exploitative. Instead, he championed the idea of small-scale, community-based industries that would provide employment and sustain local economies.

Social Reforms

Gandhi was a staunch advocate for various social reforms aimed at eradicating injustices and inequalities.

Caste System and Untouchability: Gandhi worked tirelessly to eradicate untouchability and integrate the Dalits (whom he referred to as Harijans, meaning “children of God”) into mainstream society. He launched several campaigns to promote their rights and worked towards their social upliftment.
Women’s Rights: Gandhi supported women’s education and empowerment. He encouraged women to participate actively in the freedom struggle and believed in their equal role in building a just society.
Education: Gandhi promoted a holistic approach to education, which he called Nai Talim or “basic education.” This system emphasized learning through practical work and aimed to develop self-reliant individuals who could contribute to their communities.

Family and Personal Relationships

Gandhi and Kasturba had four sons: Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, and Devdas. His relationship with his eldest son, Harilal, was strained due to Harilal’s struggles and his decision to convert to Islam briefly, which Gandhi opposed. Despite these challenges, Gandhi remained committed to his family and supported them through various trials.

Kasturba was Gandhi’s steadfast companion and supporter, enduring imprisonment and participating in his social reform and independence activities. She passed away in 1944 while imprisoned with Gandhi during the Quit India Movement.

Assassination and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

Assassination

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi. The assassination was carried out by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi’s efforts to promote reconciliation between Hindus and Muslims in the newly independent India and Pakistan.

Event Details: On the evening of January 30, Gandhi was on his way to a prayer meeting at Birla House in New Delhi. As he walked towards the podium, he was approached by Nathuram Godse, who bowed to him and then shot him three times at close range with a Beretta semi-automatic pistol. Gandhi fell to the ground, uttering “Hey Ram” (Oh God) as he died.

Motivation: Godse and his associates believed that Gandhi’s insistence on nonviolence and his efforts to reconcile with Muslims were undermining Hindu interests. They were particularly incensed by Gandhi’s fasts and interventions, which they felt favored Pakistan and Muslims at the expense of Hindus.

Aftermath: Gandhi’s assassination shocked the world and plunged India into a period of mourning. His funeral procession drew vast crowds, and his death was mourned globally as a loss to humanity.

Investigation and Trial

Arrests: Nathuram Godse was immediately apprehended at the scene. Along with him, several co-conspirators were arrested, including Narayan Apte and others affiliated with the Hindu nationalist organization, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Hindu Mahasabha.

Trial: The trial took place in the Red Fort in Delhi. Godse and his accomplices were tried for conspiracy to commit murder. During the trial, Godse expressed no remorse and stated his reasons for the assassination, claiming he was motivated by political and ideological differences with Gandhi.

Sentencing: On November 8, 1949, Nathuram Godse and Narayan Apte were sentenced to death, and the other conspirators received varying sentences. Godse and Apte were executed on November 15, 1949.

Legacy

Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy extends far beyond his lifetime, influencing numerous global movements and continuing to inspire individuals across the world.

Nonviolence and Civil Rights: Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience have inspired civil rights movements worldwide. Notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States and Nelson Mandela in South Africa have cited Gandhi as a major influence on their philosophies and strategies for combating injustice and achieving social change .

Global Influence: Gandhi’s ideas have transcended national boundaries, affecting political and social activists globally. His teachings on nonviolence (ahimsa) and truth (satya) remain integral to various movements advocating for peace, justice, and human rights.

Cultural Impact: Gandhi’s life and work have been the subject of numerous books, films, and academic studies. Richard Attenborough’s film “Gandhi” (1982) brought his story to an international audience, winning several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Ben Kingsley, who portrayed Gandhi (.

Educational and Research Institutions: Various institutions dedicated to the study and promotion of Gandhi’s ideals have been established. The Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti in New Delhi and the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad are key centers preserving his legacy. The Gandhi Peace Foundation and other similar organizations continue to promote his teachings on peace and nonviolence.

Symbol of Peace: Gandhi is universally regarded as a symbol of peace and nonviolent resistance. His birthday, October 2, is observed as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations. This day is marked by events that celebrate his life and teachings and promote the principles of nonviolence and peace worldwide.

Reference

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