Biography of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Introduction
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi (Mahatma means “Great Soul”), was a successful activist of the Indian Independence Movement through means of non-violence and resistance (Satyagraha). He was a great political and spiritual leader who led the country in the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922, the Salt March in 1930, and the Quit India Movement in 1942 during the struggle for Indian Independence. Gandhi was an educated lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer who fought against British rule and became a prominent leader in the Indian Freedom Movement.
Early Life
Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, into a spiritually rich family. His father, Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi, was the Chief Minister (Diwan) of Porbandar, and his mother, Putlibai, was a religious lady who followed the sects of Vaishnavas.
Education & Career
Gandhi received his early education in Porbandar and later attended Alfred High School in Rajkot. After his matriculation, he joined Samaldas College in Bhavnagar but soon left to study law in England at the Inner Temple, London. There, he took his studies seriously and developed a keen desire to work for the lower and marginalized people.
Personal Life
At the age of 13, Gandhi was married to Kasturba Kapadia. Together, they had four sons. Gandhi qualified as a barrister in 1891 and began his legal practice, which later took him to South Africa, where he began his political career and developed his philosophy of non-violent resistance.
Key Information about Gandhi
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi |
| Profession | Freedom Fighter, Lawyer, Anti-colonialist, Political Ethicist |
| Hometown | Porbandar, Gujarat |
| Net Worth | $1 |
| Father’s Name | Karamchand Gandhi |
| Mother’s Name | Putlibai |
| Spouse | Kasturba Gandhi |
| Siblings | Laxmidas, Karsandas, Raliatbehn |
| Age at Death | 78 years |
| Nickname | Mahatma |
| Famous for | Father of Nation |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Food Habit | Vegetarian |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Bald |
| Cause of Death | Assassination (gunshot wounds) |
| School | Alfred High School, Rajkot |
| University | Samaldas Arts College, Bhavnagar |
| Educational Qualification | Lawyer |
| Degree College | Inner Temple, London |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Monuments | Raj Ghat, Gandhi Smriti |
| Hobbies | Reading, listening to music |
| Favorite Person | Gautama Buddha |
| Favorite Author | Leo Tolstoy |
| Favorite Singer | Juthika Roy |
| Daughters | Laxmi (adopted), Madeleine Slade (adopted) |
| Birthdate | 2 October 1869 |
| Birthplace | Porbandar, Porbandar State, Kathiawar Agency, British Raj |
| Death Date | 30 January 1948 |
| Death Place | New Delhi, Dominion of India |
| Notable Work | “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress (1920-1934) |
| Children | Harilal, Manilal, Devdas, Ramdas |
| Awards | Time Person of the Year (1930) |
| Controversies | Experiments with celibacy |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Ethnicity | Modh Baniya |
| Caste | Bania |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | British Indian |
Struggles and Major Movements
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1893 | Evicted from a train in South Africa; founded Natal Indian Congress |
| 1906 | Organized first Satyagraha campaign in South Africa |
| 1915 | Returned to India; established Sabarmati Ashram |
| 1917 | Joined farmers’ uprising in Champaran |
| 1919 | Protested against the Rowlatt Act; Jallianwala Bagh Massacre |
| 1920 | Led the Non-Cooperation Movement |
| 1930 | Led the Salt March |
| 1942 | Launched the Quit India Movement |
Death of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948 by Nathuram Godse. He was shot three times in the chest and stomach at Birla House in Delhi. His last words were reportedly “Ram! Ram!”. The Government of India declared this day as “Shaheed Diwas,” and it is commemorated every year with tributes at Gandhi’s Samadhi at Raj Ghat.
Legacy
Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and his efforts towards the upliftment of society continue to inspire people globally. He is remembered as the “Father of the Nation” in India and has influenced many leaders worldwide.
For more detailed information about Gandhi’s life and contributions, visit LifeSketches.
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi remains a symbol of non-violence, simplicity, and the fight for justice. His efforts not only led India to independence but also left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.
Unknown Facts
- Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received it.
- His favorite hymn was “Abide with Me.”
- Although shot dead, it is not conclusively proven if he uttered “Hey Ram” before dying.
- Gandhi inspired many liberationists, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
- He established the Tolstoy Farm in South Africa for community living and social experiments.