Mahatma Gandhi

 

Mahatma Gandhi: A Comprehensive Biography

Early Life and Background

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day Gujarat, India. Born into a privileged Hindu Modh Baniya family, his father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as the diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar state. His mother, Putlibai, was deeply religious and had a significant influence on young Gandhi's spiritual development. She often observed religious fasts and vows, which would later inspire Gandhi's use of fasting as a means of political protest.

Gandhi's childhood was marked by the strong religious and cultural influences of his home region. Growing up in a family that followed Vaishnavism, young Gandhi was exposed to the principles of non-violence, vegetarianism, fasting for self-purification, and mutual tolerance among individuals of different creeds and beliefs. These early influences would later shape his philosophical and political ideologies.

Education and Marriage

At the age of 13, following Hindu customs of the time, Gandhi was married to Kasturba Makhanji (later known as Kasturba Gandhi). This arranged marriage, though initially challenging for the young Gandhi, would develop into a strong partnership that lasted throughout their lives. Kasturba would later become an important figure in India's independence movement in her own right.

Gandhi was an average student during his school years in Porbandar and later in Rajkot. In 1887, he barely passed the matriculation examination for Samaldas College in Bhavnagar. Unsatisfied with his prospects in India, Gandhi was encouraged by a family friend to pursue legal studies in England. Despite facing opposition from his community, which considered crossing the ocean a violation of Hindu principles, Gandhi decided to go to London to study law.

Years in England (1888-1891)

Gandhi's journey to England marked a significant turning point in his life. Arriving in London in 1888, he enrolled at the Inner Temple to study law. The three years he spent in England were transformative, exposing him to new ideas, cultures, and philosophies that would influence his later work.

Cultural and Intellectual Development

During his time in London, Gandhi made conscious efforts to adopt English customs. He took dancing lessons, purchased Western clothes, and attempted to become a proper "English gentleman." However, he also maintained his vegetarian diet, which led him to discover vegetarian restaurants and join the London Vegetarian Society. This association introduced him to various intellectual currents of the time, including the Theosophical Society and different interpretations of Hindu texts.

Gandhi's exposure to different philosophical and religious texts during this period was crucial to his intellectual development. He read the Bhagavad Gita for the first time in its English translation, studied Christian texts, and was influenced by writers like Leo Tolstoy and John Ruskin. These readings would later form the foundation of his philosophical and political ideas.

South Africa Years (1893-1914)

After returning to India and struggling to establish a legal practice, Gandhi accepted a one-year contract to work for an Indian firm in South Africa. What was meant to be a temporary stay turned into a 21-year journey that would transform him from a shy lawyer into a skilled political organizer and social reformer.

Experiences with Racism and Civil Rights

Gandhi's first encounter with racial discrimination occurred shortly after his arrival in South Africa when he was thrown off a train at Pietermaritzburg station despite holding a first-class ticket. This incident and similar experiences of discrimination catalyzed his commitment to fighting social injustice.

During his time in South Africa, Gandhi developed and refined his philosophy of Satyagraha (holding onto truth) or non-violent resistance. He organized the Indian community to protest against discriminatory laws, including the requirement for Indians to be fingerprinted and carry identification cards at all times.

Development of Satyagraha

The concept of Satyagraha emerged during Gandhi's campaign against the Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act of 1906. Instead of violent resistance, Gandhi advocated for non-violent non-cooperation with unjust laws. This involved peaceful protests, strikes, and the willingness to accept punishment for breaking unjust laws without resorting to violence.

Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm

In 1904, Gandhi established the Phoenix Settlement near Durban, an experiment in communal living based on his principles of self-reliance and simple living. Later, in 1910, he established Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg, which served as a base for his growing movement of passive resistance.

Return to India and Entry into National Politics (1915)

When Gandhi returned to India in 1915, he was already a well-known figure due to his work in South Africa. He spent the first year traveling across the country to understand the conditions of the Indian people and the nature of British rule.

Initial Campaigns

Gandhi's first major political campaign in India was the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, where he helped indigo farmers protest against exploitative practices by British planters. This was followed by the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918, supporting peasants in Gujarat who were unable to pay taxes due to crop failure and a plague epidemic.

The Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh

The passage of the Rowlatt Act in 1919, which authorized the government to imprison people without trial, led to Gandhi's first nationwide Satyagraha campaign. The movement was marked by tragedy when British troops under General Dyer opened fire on peaceful protesters at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, killing hundreds.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

The Non-Cooperation Movement marked Gandhi's emergence as the leading figure in India's struggle for independence. The movement called for:

• Surrender of titles and honorary offices
• Resignation from nominated seats in local bodies
• Boycott of British courts
• Boycott of educational institutions
• Boycott of foreign cloth
• Focus on khadi (handspun and handwoven cloth)

The movement gained widespread support but was suspended by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where protesters set fire to a police station, killing several officers. This decision, while controversial among some nationalist leaders, demonstrated Gandhi's commitment to non-violence.

Civil Disobedience Movement and Salt March (1930-1934)

The Salt March of 1930 was one of Gandhi's most successful campaigns. The 24-day march to Dandi to produce salt illegally captured the world's imagination and sparked a nationwide movement of civil disobedience.

Impact and Significance

The Salt Satyagraha demonstrated the power of non-violent protest and garnered international attention. Thousands of Indians were arrested, including Gandhi, but the campaign succeeded in forcing the British to negotiate with Indian leaders.

Quit India Movement and Independence (1942-1947)

The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, was Gandhi's final major campaign against British rule. Although the movement was suppressed and its leaders imprisoned, it demonstrated the depth of anti-colonial sentiment and hastened the end of British rule.

Partition and Independence

Gandhi opposed the partition of India but ultimately accepted it as inevitable. During the violence that accompanied partition, he worked tirelessly to promote peace between Hindus and Muslims, often at great personal risk.

Philosophy and Principles

Satyagraha

Satyagraha, often translated as "truth-force" or "soul-force," was Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance. Key principles included:

• Truth (satya)
• Non-violence (ahimsa)
• Self-suffering
• Constructive program
• Non-cooperation with evil

Economic Philosophy

Gandhi's economic ideas centered on:

• Self-reliance (swadeshi)
• Dignity of labor
• Simple living
• Trusteeship of wealth
• Village-based economy

Social Reform

Gandhi worked for various social reforms:

• Elimination of untouchability
• Women's empowerment
• Religious harmony
• Basic education (Nai Talim)
• Village sanitation

Personal Life and Practices

Ascetic Lifestyle

Gandhi lived an increasingly ascetic lifestyle, eventually giving up most material possessions. He wore simple homespun clothes, maintained a vegetarian diet, and practiced regular fasting for both spiritual and political purposes.

Experiments with Truth

Gandhi conducted various "experiments" throughout his life, testing his physical and spiritual limits. These included:

• Dietary experiments
• Brahmacharya (celibacy)
• Communal living
• Silent days
• Nature cure methods

Assassination and Legacy (1948)

Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and his advocacy for Hindu-Muslim unity. His death sparked widespread mourning and soul-searching in India and around the world.

Global Influence

Gandhi's philosophy and methods influenced numerous movements and leaders:

• Civil Rights Movement in the United States (Martin Luther King Jr.)
• Anti-apartheid movement in South Africa
• Various peace and environmental movements
• Non-violent resistance movements worldwide

Contemporary Relevance

Gandhi's ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of:

• Sustainable development
• Environmental protection
• Conflict resolution
• Social justice
• Economic inequality
• Religious tolerance

Gandhi's Writings and Publications

Major Works

Gandhi was a prolific writer, and his major works include:

• "Hind Swaraj" (Indian Home Rule)
• "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" (autobiography)
• "Satyagraha in South Africa"
• Numerous articles in his journals "Young India" and "Harijan"

Key Concepts and Ideas

His writings explored various themes:

• Political philosophy
• Social reform
• Religious tolerance
• Economic justice
• Personal development
• Health and diet
• Education

Gandhi's Impact on Various Fields

Political Thought

Gandhi's contributions to political theory include:

• Non-violent resistance as a political tool
• Decentralized democracy
• Moral leadership
• Civil disobedience
• Participatory democracy

Social Reform

His impact on social reform encompassed:

• Caste system reform
• Women's rights
• Religious harmony
• Rural development
• Environmental consciousness

Education

Gandhi's educational philosophy emphasized:

• Practical skills
• Character building
• Mother tongue instruction
• Self-reliance
• Integration of physical and mental labor

Criticism and Controversies

Political Criticism

Gandhi faced criticism from various quarters:

• Radical nationalists who considered his methods too moderate
• Modernists who viewed his economic ideas as backward-looking
• Social reformers who found his approach to caste reform inadequate
• Political leaders who disagreed with his decision-making

Personal Controversies

Some aspects of his personal life generated controversy:

• His experiments with brahmacharya
• Treatment of his wife and children
• Dietary and health experiments
• Positions on modernization and technology

Gandhi's Relationship with Other Leaders

Indian Leaders

Gandhi's interactions with other Indian leaders were complex:

• Jawaharlal Nehru: Close but sometimes disagreeing ally
• Subhas Chandra Bose: Ideological opponent but mutual respect
• B.R. Ambedkar: Contentious relationship over caste issues
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah: Initially cooperative, later antagonistic

International Figures

He corresponded and interacted with various international figures:

• Leo Tolstoy
• Romain Rolland
• Albert Einstein
• Charlie Chaplin

Gandhi's Method of Working

Daily Routine

Gandhi maintained a strict daily schedule:

• Early morning prayers
• Walking
• Spinning khadi
• Correspondence
• Meetings with visitors
• Evening prayers

Communication Style

His communication methods included:

• Personal letters
• Newspaper articles
• Public speeches
• Silent days for reflection
• Direct action through example

Gandhi's Vision for India

Political Vision

Gandhi's ideal for independent India included:

• Decentralized democracy
• Village-based governance
• Economic self-reliance
• Religious pluralism
• Social equality

Economic Vision

His economic ideas emphasized:

• Village industries
• Limited mechanization
• Economic equality
• Environmental sustainability
• Self-sufficient communities

Social Vision

Gandhi's social ideals included:

• Casteless society
• Gender equality
• Religious harmony
• Universal education
• Rural development

Gandhi's Influence on Modern India

Political Impact

His continuing influence is seen in:

• Non-violent political movements
• Grassroots activism
• Anti-corruption campaigns
• Environmental protection efforts
• Social reform initiatives

Cultural Impact

Gandhi's legacy affects Indian culture through:

• Emphasis on simple living
• Promotion of traditional crafts
• Vegetarianism and health consciousness
• Inter-religious dialogue
• Environmental awareness

International Impact

His global influence includes:

• Non-violent resistance movements
• Peace studies
• Conflict resolution methods
• Environmental activism
• Social justice campaigns

Gandhi's Personal Relationships

Family Life

His relationship with family members was complex:

• Marriage to Kasturba
• Parenting of his four sons
• Extended family interactions
• Community living experiments

Close Associates

Key figures in his life included:

• C.F. Andrews
• Mirabehn (Madeleine Slade)
• Mahadev Desai
• Vinoba Bhave

Gandhi's Spiritual Journey

Religious Influences

His spiritual development was shaped by:

• Hinduism
• Jainism
• Christianity
• Islam
• Buddhism

Spiritual Practices

His daily spiritual routine included:

• Prayer meetings
• Scripture reading
• Meditation
• Fasting
• Silent contemplation

Gandhi's Views on Modern Issues

Technology

His perspective on technology emphasized:

• Appropriate technology
• Human-scale development
• Environmental sustainability
• Self-reliance
• Skill preservation

Industrialization

Gandhi's views on industrial development stressed:

• Limited mechanization
• Village industries
• Environmental protection
• Human-centered development
• Local production

Education

His educational philosophy promoted:

• Practical skills
• Character building
• Cultural awareness
• Environmental consciousness
• Social responsibility

Conclusion

Mahatma Gandhi's life and work represent a unique combination of spiritual seeking, political activism, and social reform. His influence extends far beyond India's independence movement, touching upon fundamental questions of human existence, social organization, and ethical behavior. His principles of non-violence, truth-seeking, and social justice continue to inspire movements and individuals worldwide.

Gandhi's legacy is not just historical but remains deeply relevant to contemporary challenges, from environmental degradation to social inequality. His emphasis on individual moral transformation as the basis for social change offers important insights for addressing current global issues.

While some of his ideas and methods have been criticized, and some of his experiments and positions remain controversial, Gandhi's core message about the power of non-violent resistance and the importance of ethical leadership continues to resonate. His life demonstrates the possibility of combining political effectiveness with moral principles, and his example continues to inspire new generations of activists and reformers around the world.