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Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, famously known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a lawyer, politician, social activist, writer, leader of the Indian Independence Movement against British rule, anti imperialist, anti colonist, father of his nation. Gandhi ji is internationally esteemed for his doctrine of nonviolent protest (satyagraha) to achieve political and social progress. In the eyes of millions of Indians, Gandhiji is Mahatma (“Great Soul”). 

Mahatma Gandhi Overview

Mahatma Gandhi, originally named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India. He was a pivotal figure in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Renowned for his principle of nonviolent protest (Ahimsa) and peaceful defiance, he galvanized worldwide movements for harmony and liberty. Here is overview of Mahatma Gandhi;

Mahatma Gandhi in Africa (1893–1914)

Mahatma Gandhi, spent over two decades in South Africa (1893–1914), a transformative period that shaped his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Arriving as a young lawyer, Gandhi faced racial discrimination firsthand. In a Durban court, he was asked to remove his turban, and during a train journey to Pretoria, he was thrown out of a first-class compartment and beaten for refusing to yield to a European passenger. These humiliations sparked a resolve to challenge injustice, marking a turning point in his life.

Initially planning a brief stay, Gandhi extended his time in South Africa after discovering a bill in 1894 that aimed to disenfranchise Indians in Natal. Despite his inexperience and stage fright, he emerged as a skilled political campaigner at 25, founding the Natal Indian Congress to unite the Indian community. He drafted petitions, mobilized support, and exposed discriminatory practices to the press in Natal, India, and England, gaining international attention.Gandhian movement in Africa:

Natel Congress

In 1894, Mahatma Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress to unite the Indian community in South Africa and oppose a discriminatory bill in Natal that aimed to strip Indians of voting rights. He drafted petitions signed by hundreds, sent to the Natal legislature and British government, while fostering solidarity among diverse groups like traders and laborers. By publicizing Indian grievances through the press in Natal, India, and England, Gandhi drew global attention. Although the bill passed, the campaign established him as a political leader, laying the foundation for his future activism. 

Satyagraha Campaign Against the Black Act (1906–07) 

Mahatma Gandhi launched the Satyagraha campaign to resist the Black Act, a discriminatory law in Transvaal requiring Indians to register, carry passes, and submit fingerprints. Deeming it dehumanizing, Gandhi introduced Satyagraha, urging nonviolent defiance. He organized mass meetings where thousands pledged to face imprisonment rather than comply and led public burnings of registration certificates as a symbol of resistance. Over 2,000 Indians, including Gandhi, were jailed, drawing international attention. A 1908 compromise permitted voluntary registration, marking Satyagraha’s first major success, though tensions persisted.

Passive Resistance against the £3 Tax and Marriage Laws (1913–1914)

Mahatma Gandhi led a passive resistance campaign against the £3 annual tax burdening ex-indentured Indian laborers and laws invalidating non-Christian Indian marriages, which disrespected cultural practices. He mobilized a large-scale Satyagraha, involving women and laborers for the first time, and organized a march of over 2,000 Indians from Natal to Transvaal in November 1913, defying immigration restrictions.  The mass arrests, including Gandhi’s, sparked global outrage, pressuring the South African government led to the Indian Relief Act (1914), which abolished the tax, recognized Indian marriages, and eased restrictions. 

Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in India

Mahatma Gandhi arrived back in India in January 1915, his reputation from South Africa resonating not only with the elite class but also with ordinary folk. On the counsel of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, he dedicated a year to journeying through British India, immersing himself in its true India condition and forging bonds with its diverse populace.

• In February 1916, Gandhi made his first significant public address at the opening of Banaras Hindu University. In his speech, he critiqued Indian nationalism for its elitist nature, arguing it failed to embody the aspirations of the masses. 
• He voiced his commitment to reshaping the independence movement into one that genuinely embraced the wider Indian society, particularly the rural impoverished and sidelined groups. 
• This signaled the start of his mission to render the fight for freedom more inclusive, deeply intertwined with the lives of everyday Indians.

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

Mahatma Gandhi’s initial effort to rally India’s masses occurred at the request of Rajkumar Shukla, to see the plight of the indigo farmers of Champaran. This movement, was the first civil disobedience in India,

• Primarily because of the harsh ‘Tinkathia system,’ which compelled peasants to grow indigo on 15% (3/20th) of their land.
• Gandhi stepped in to address the issue but was ordered to depart by local authorities. Defiant, he stayed, marking his disobedience. 
• Ultimately, Gandhi persuaded the government to recognize the flaws of the Tinkathia system and investigate.
• A committee was formed by the government with Gandhi as a member, leading to the system’s abolition. In a negotiated settlement, peasants received only 25% compensation for their losses. 
• Key participants included Rajendra Prasad, Narhari Parekh, and J.B. Kripalani. 

Ahmedabad Mill Strike 1918

Following the Champaran Satyagraha, Mahatma Gandhi’s next effort to rally the masses focused on the textile workers in Ahmedabad’s urban center. The Ahmedabad Mill Strike of March 1918 was the result of a dispute between workers and mill owners over the discontinuation of a plague bonus. 

• In 1917, mill owners offered a 75% salary bonus to retain workers during a plague outbreak.
• After the plague subsided, workers demanded a 50% wage increase, while owners sought to eliminate the bonus, leading to a stalemate. 
• At Anusuya Sarabhai’s request, Gandhi intervened and undertook a fast unto death. 
• This compelled the owners to agree to a 35% wage hike. This movement marked Gandhi’s first use of fasting in India as a political tool, leveraging self-suffering to exert moral pressure.

Kheda Satyagraha 1918

Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 marked Mahatma Gandhi first Non-Cooperation effort within the Indian National Movement. Triggered by a monsoon failure, peasants in Kheda district endured acute hardship and sought revenue relief from the government due to crop failure and soaring prices.

• Under the government’s famine code, farmers were entitled to full remission if crop yields dropped below 25% of the average, yet authorities denied this. 
• Consequently, peasants appealed to Gandhi. He advocated for their cause, urging them to withhold payments and resist “such vindictive and tyrannical oppression” to the end. 
• The government, under pressure, moderated its stance, collecting revenues only from those able to pay and refraining from land confiscation. 
• Gandhi then withdrew the campaign. 
• Key participants included Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Narahari Parikh, and Indulal Yagnik

Satyagraha Against Rowlatt Act (1919) 

Rowlatt Act Satyagraha (1919) was Mahatma Gandhi non-violent protest against the Rowlatt Act, a repressive British law allowing arrests without trial. Launched with a nationwide hartal on April 6, 1919, it united Indians in mass demonstrations. Violence erupted in Punjab, leading to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919), where British troops killed hundreds. Gandhi suspended the movement on April 18, 1919, due to violence. The Satyagraha boosted nationalism, Hindu-Muslim unity, and Gandhi’s leadership, paving the way for future independence movements. The Act was repealed in 1922.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1921-22)

Non-Cooperation Movement, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was a reaction to the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre during protests against the oppressive Rowlatt Act.

In September 1920, at a special Congress session in Calcutta, Gandhi’s plan for non-cooperation with British authorities was adopted, aiming to address the Khilafat and Punjab issues and achieve self-rule. 

• The movement merged with the Khilafat Movement, which sought to preserve the Turkish Sultan’s authority over Muslim holy sites in the former Ottoman Empire.
• Strategies: The movement involved boycotting British-run schools, colleges, courts, government offices, councils, and foreign goods, as well as surrendering titles and honors conferred by the British.
• Withdrawal: Gandhi called off the movement after the Chauri Chaura incident on February 5, 1922, where 23 policemen were killed. Post-withdrawal, he shifted focus to social reform initiatives.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34)

Civil Disobedience Movement, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, was the second major mass movement following the Non-Cooperation Movement and marked a significant step forward in expanding the social base of India’s freedom struggle.

• Gandhi declared at the Calcutta Congress in 1928 that the British must grant India dominion status, or the country would erupt in a revolution for complete independence. 
• British paid no attention to this. As a result, INC in its Lahore session (1929) demanded ‘Punra Swaraj’, and decided to celebrate 26th January as ‘Independence Day’. It also declared that a civil disobedience movement would be started under the leadership of Gandhi.
• Gandhi announced the ‘Dandi March’ against the unjust tax on salt as part of the movement. On April 6, 1930, he violated the salt regulations, thereby launching the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Induced by Gandhi’s extraordinary endeavours at Dandi, defiance of the salt laws spread throughout the country. However, it was halted for a period after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. 
• When the movement was resumed after the failure of the Second Round Table conference, it began to dwindle towards the end of 1932. It was officially withdrawn in May 1934.

Quit India Movement (1942)

The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Kranti Movement, marked the “third major surge” in India’s fight for independence, initiated on August 8, 1942, under Mahatma Gandhi’s guidance. This Gandhian campaign was less about conventional non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and more a bold repudiation of British authority, sparking significant and chaotic events in Indian history over the following five years.

• The movement stemmed from growing Indian frustration with British governance, triggered by the collapse of the Cripps Mission and the burdens imposed by World War II. 
• On August 8, 1942, the All India Congress Committee convened at Gowalia Tank in Bombay, adopting the historic Quit India Resolution. That same day, Gandhi issued his famous “Do or Die” appeal, demanding the immediate cessation of British rule, the establishment of a temporary government post-war, and the proclamation of a free India.
• Consequently, key Congress leaders were swiftly detained and jailed without trial by British authorities. Despite this, widespread protests erupted across the nation with massive public involvement. While the movement did not instantly achieve its objectives, it significantly undermined British control and set the stage for India’s eventual independence.

Mahatma Gandhi Teaching, Importance, Contribution, Legacy

Gandhi’s role as the mastermind behind India’s liberation and his doctrine of nonviolence continue to echo globally. His principles have ignited civil rights campaigns and influenced figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Even after his death on January 30, 1948, Gandhi’s essence endures, underscoring the strength of peaceful defiance and the potential to drive transformative change through nonviolence and honesty. His pivotal role in India’s quest for freedom remains a defining chapter in the nation’s story and a lasting source of motivation for future generations.

Nonviolence and Satyagraha

• Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, or Ahimsa, is his most profound contribution. He held that true power stems not from physical might but from ethical fortitude. His concept of Satyagraha—truth and nonviolent opposition—sparked countless movements and inspired global leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

• Freedom Struggle and independence   Gandhi’s leadership in India’s battle for independence is unmatched. His  steadfast dedication to nonviolent civil defiance rallied millions of Indians  against British colonial domination. Through campaigns like the  Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt March, and Quit India Movement, he  mobilized the masses, paving the path to India’s independence on August 15 1947.

• Focus on Simplicity and Self-Sufficiency Gandhi’s life exemplified simplicity and self-reliance. He championed a modest lifestyle, stressing the value of self-sufficiency and harmony with the environment. His advocacy for Swadeshi (promoting local goods) and self-reliance continues to inspire sustainable practices and economic independence.

• Unity and Religious tolerance Gandhi emphasized the importance of communal harmony and religious acceptance. He worked to unite diverse religious and social groups, fostering mutual respect and solidarity. His reverence for all faiths and belief in humanity’s shared essence remain guiding lights for a diverse, inclusive India.

• Upliftment of the Marginalized Gandhi was a fierce advocate for social equity, tirelessly supporting marginalized communities, including the untouchables. He challenged caste discrimination and promoted their dignity and inclusion. His efforts laid the foundation for social reforms and the empowerment of the oppressed in post-independence India.

• Global Influence and Inspiration Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and peaceful resistance reverberated far beyond India. His life and teachings shaped civil rights movements, anti-colonial struggles, and leaders worldwide, establishing him as a universal emblem of hope and resistance against injustice.

• Impact on Contemporary India Gandhi’s ideals continue to shape India’s moral and cultural fabric. His principles guide the nation’s leaders and citizens in addressing challenges and building a fairer, more inclusive society. His image graces India’s currency, and his birthday, October 2, is commemorated as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday.

• Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy shines as a guiding force in a world often marked by strife and division. His timeless message of truth, nonviolence, and empathy continues to inspire those striving for positive societal change. Gandhi’s vision of a fair, equitable, and peaceful world remains a beacon, urging generations to pursue truth and uphold human values. As the world honors his legacy, Mahatma Gandhi stands as an eternal guide, steering humanity toward a brighter, more unified future.

Mahatma Gandhi Death

Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination took place on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist affiliated with the Hindu Mahasabha. Godse disagreed with Gandhi’s advocacy for Pakistan and disapproved of his philosophy of nonviolence. 

Mahatma Gandhi FAQs?

What was Mahatma Gandhi’s full name?

His full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

When and where was Gandhi born?

Mohandas Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in Gujarat, India.

What is Gandhi best known for?

Gandhi is renowned for leading India’s struggle for independence from British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or Ahimsa, and his practice of Satyagraha (truth and nonviolent defiance).

What is Satyagraha?

Satyagraha is Gandhi’s doctrine of nonviolent opposition, rooted in truth and moral courage, used to resist injustice peacefully and inspire social and political change.

What were Gandhi’s major movements in India’s freedom struggle?

Gandhi spearheaded key campaigns like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), the Salt March (1930), and the Quit India Movement (1942), mobilizing millions against British colonial rule.

Why was the Salt March significant?

The Salt March of 1930, where Gandhi led a 240-mile trek to Dandi to make salt in defiance of British laws, symbolized resistance to colonial oppression and galvanized India’s fight for freedom.

When Was the Quit India Movement Launched ?

Launched on August 8, 1942, the Quit India Movement was a call for the immediate end of British rule. Gandhi’s “Do or Die” slogan inspired mass protests, despite widespread arrests.