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Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was the primary leader of India's independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy of non-violence (Satyagraha).
Key Facts
- Born: October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat
- Died: January 30, 1948, in New Delhi (assassinated)
- Known as: Bapu, Father of the Nation
- Philosophy: Satyagraha (non-violent resistance)
Major Movements Led
In South Africa (1893-1915)
- Satyagraha Movement - Against discriminatory laws
- Fought against £3 annual tax on Indians
- Opposed immigration laws and registration certificates
In India (1915-1948)
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917) - Against indigo plantation system
- Kheda Satyagraha (1918) - Against tax collection during famine
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) - Against British rule
- Salt Satyagraha (1930) - Dandi March against salt monopoly
- Quit India Movement (1942) - “Do or Die” call for independence
Key Principles
| Principle | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Satyagraha | Truth and non-violence | Peaceful resistance to injustice |
| Swaraj | Self-rule/Self-governance | Political and personal autonomy |
| Sarvodaya | Welfare of all | Social and economic equality |
| Swadeshi | Self-reliance | Economic independence from foreign goods |
Important Writings
- “Hind Swaraj” (1909) - Critique of modern civilization
- “My Experiments with Truth” - Autobiography
- Harijan - Weekly journal for untouchability removal
UPSC Relevance
- Paper: General Studies Paper I (Modern History)
- Topics: Freedom struggle, Gandhi's philosophy, Civil disobedience
- Previous Year Questions:
- Analyze Gandhi's role in freedom struggle (2019)
- Significance of Satyagraha in Indian independence (2018)
Key Dates to Remember
- 1893: Went to South Africa
- 1915: Returned to India
- 1920: Started Non-Cooperation Movement
- 1930: Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha)
- 1942: Quit India Movement
- 1948: Assassination