Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, affectionately known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a towering figure in the 20th century, an Indian lawyer, ardent anti-colonial nationalist, and profound political ethicist whose philosophy of nonviolent resistance profoundly shaped history. His leadership culminated in India's hard-won independence from British rule, and his methods continue to inspire movements for civil rights and freedom across the globe. The honorific "Mahātmā," a Sanskrit term meaning "great-souled" or "venerable," was first bestowed upon him in South Africa in 1914 and has since become synonymous with his name worldwide.

Early Life, Education, and the Call to Justice

Born and raised in a devout Hindu family in coastal Gujarat on October 2, 1869, Gandhi's early life laid the foundation for his later radical transformation. He embarked on a journey to London, where he trained in law at the prestigious Inner Temple, a historic institution known for producing many eminent lawyers. At the young age of 22, in June 1891, he was called to the bar, ready to begin his legal career.

However, after two challenging and largely unsuccessful years attempting to establish a law practice back in India, a pivotal opportunity arose. In 1893, he moved to South Africa to represent an Indian merchant in a lawsuit. What began as a legal assignment evolved into a 21-year sojourn, during which Gandhi experienced firsthand the harsh realities of racial discrimination and injustice. It was in this crucible that he not only raised a family but, more significantly, first employed and honed his revolutionary strategy of nonviolent resistance, initiating a powerful campaign for civil rights for the Indian community.

Return to India and the Struggle for Swaraj

In 1915, at 45 years old, Gandhi returned to his homeland, India, a nation still under the oppressive yoke of British colonial rule. His experiences in South Africa had prepared him for the monumental task ahead. He quickly immersed himself in the socio-political landscape, organising peasants, farmers, and urban labourers to protest against excessive land-taxes and systemic discrimination. Assuming the leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi spearheaded nationwide campaigns dedicated to alleviating poverty, expanding women's rights, fostering religious and ethnic amity, and eradicating the deeply entrenched practice of untouchability. Above all, his ultimate goal was the achievement of 'Swaraj,' or self-rule, for India.

As a powerful symbol of his identification with India's rural poor, Gandhi famously adopted the simple, short dhoti woven with hand-spun yarn. His lifestyle mirrored his ideals: he lived in self-sufficient residential communities, ate simple food, and regularly undertook long fasts. These fasts served a dual purpose – as a means of deep introspection and as a potent form of political protest, drawing global attention to India's plight.

Seminal Campaigns: The Dandi Salt March and Quit India

Gandhi's genius lay in his ability to transform anti-colonial nationalism into a mass movement, mobilising ordinary Indians to challenge the might of the British Empire. A prime example was the iconic Dandi Salt March in 1930. In defiance of the British-imposed salt tax, Gandhi led thousands on a 400 km (250 mi) trek to the Arabian Sea to make salt from seawater, a powerful act of civil disobedience that resonated worldwide. Later, in 1942, he issued the stirring call for the British to "Quit India," demanding immediate independence. Throughout these campaigns, Gandhi was imprisoned many times, enduring years behind bars in both South Africa and India, yet his resolve remained unbroken.

The Partition, Final Fasts, and Assassination

Gandhi's vision for an independent India was one based on religious pluralism, a nation where all faiths could coexist harmoniously. However, in the early 1940s, this vision was severely challenged by the rise of a distinct Muslim nationalism, which advocated for a separate homeland for Muslims within British India. When Britain finally granted independence in August 1947, the British Indian Empire was tragically partitioned into two dominions: a Hindu-majority India and a Muslim-majority Pakistan. This monumental geopolitical shift triggered immense upheaval, as millions of displaced Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs migrated to their new lands, leading to an explosion of religious violence, particularly in the Punjab and Bengal regions.

Abstaining from the official celebrations of independence, a heartbroken Gandhi instead visited the areas most affected by the communal strife, desperately attempting to alleviate suffering and restore peace. In the ensuing months, he undertook several hunger strikes, his body a moral instrument, to quell the escalating religious violence. The last of these, commenced in Delhi on January 12, 1948, when he was 78, also aimed to pressure the Indian government to pay out cash assets owed to Pakistan. Although the Indian government eventually relented, and the religious rioters subsided, a dangerous belief began to spread among some Hindu hardliners that Gandhi had been excessively supportive of both Pakistan and Indian Muslims, particularly those besieged in Delhi. Among these individuals was Nathuram Godse, a militant Hindu nationalist from western India. On January 30, 1948, at an inter-faith prayer meeting in Delhi, Godse assassinated Gandhi, firing three bullets into his chest, bringing an abrupt and tragic end to the life of the "Father of the Nation."

Legacy and Commemoration

Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, October 2, is a national holiday in India, known as Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated with profound reverence. His philosophy and life are also honoured globally as the International Day of Nonviolence. Though not formally decreed, Gandhi is universally considered the Father of the Nation in India, affectionately known as "Bapu" (Gujarati for "father" or "papa"), a term that speaks to the deep love and respect he commanded. His unwavering commitment to truth (Satyagraha) and nonviolence continues to inspire civil rights leaders and peace movements around the world, making his legacy an enduring beacon of hope for humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mahatma Gandhi

Who was Mahatma Gandhi?

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist renowned for leading India to independence from British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

When and where was Mahatma Gandhi born?

He was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, British India.

What is "Mahatma" and "Bapu"?

"Mahatma" is an honorific title meaning "great-souled" or "venerable," first applied to him in South Africa. "Bapu" is an affectionate Gujarati term meaning "father" or "papa," widely used in India to refer to him.

What are some of his most famous campaigns?

Gandhi is most famous for leading the Dandi Salt March (1930) and initiating the Quit India Movement (1942), both instrumental in India's struggle for independence. He also championed campaigns against untouchability and for women's rights.

When did he begin his activism?

Gandhi's activism began during his 21 years in South Africa (1893-1915), where he first developed and employed nonviolent resistance in a campaign for civil rights for Indians.

What was his vision for India?

He envisioned an independent India based on religious pluralism and self-rule (Swaraj), free from poverty and discrimination, with equal rights for all its citizens.

How and when did Mahatma Gandhi die?

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, in Delhi, India, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, who shot him at an inter-faith prayer meeting.

How is his legacy celebrated today?

His birthday, October 2, is a national holiday in India (Gandhi Jayanti) and is observed worldwide as the International Day of Nonviolence. His principles continue to inspire movements for peace and civil rights globally.