Mahatma Gandhi Is Born

Setting the scene

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal princely state in Gujarat, India. His father served as diwan (chief minister) to local rulers; his mother Putlibai was deeply religious and shaped his vegetarianism and fasting practices.

What happened

Gandhi studied law in London, practiced briefly in South Africa, and developed satyagraha—nonviolent resistance—against discriminatory laws targeting Indians. Returning to India in 1915, he led campaigns on salt, cloth, and untouchability that challenged British rule.

Why it still matters

India won independence in 1947, but Gandhi was assassinated in January 1948 by Nathuram Godse. Memorable detail: the honorific Mahatma means 'great soul,' popularized by poet Rabindranath Tagore, though Gandhi preferred the simpler Bapu (father).

Background

Nonviolent resistance later challenged British rule.