Mohandas Gandhi

History of the Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)

The following commentary about Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) in the Churchill Era is produced by the Churchill College (Cambridge): Known as “Mahatma” (Great Soul). Leader of the Indian nationalist movement against British rule in India through the use of non-violent protest and mass civil disobedience (Satyagraha).

Worked as a barrister in South Africa for 17 years then led Passive Resistance Campaign on behalf of Indian settlers in 1908; returned to India, 1915. Started Satyagraha movement in 1918 and non-co-operation campaign in 1920; became leader of the Indian National Congress in 1921; interned May 1930, then released in January 1931; interned again in 1932, went on a series of fasts while in jail for better treatment of untouchables; started individual civil disobedience and was again imprisoned and released on declaring a fast, 1933; retired from active leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1934; led the Quit India campaign against the British during the war, refusing to support the war effort unless India was granted independence; arrested in 1942 but released in 1944 because of failing health; strongly opposed to the partition of India and Pakistan; was assassinated in 1948.