Mahatma Gandhi Indian lawyer Biography, height, weight, Age ,wife, children and family and many more

Biography of Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation

Introduction

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, widely revered as Mahatma Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist. He played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence from British rule through his philosophy of nonviolence (Ahimsa). Gandhi's life and legacy continue to inspire movements for civil rights and freedom across the globe.

Quick Facts

Full Name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Popular Name: Mahatma Gandhi (Mahatma means "Great Soul")
Birth Date: October 2, 1869
Death Date: January 30, 1948
Birthplace: Porbandar, Gujarat, India
Height: Approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
Weight: Around 46 kg (101 lbs)
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Lawyer, political leader, social reformer

Family Background and Early Life

Mahatma Gandhi was born into a Vaishya family in Porbandar, Gujarat.

Father: Karamchand Gandhi, a chief minister (Diwan) of Porbandar.
Mother: Putlibai Gandhi, a devoutly religious woman.
Siblings: Gandhi had three older siblings.

Gandhi married Kasturba Gandhi in 1883 at the age of 13 in an arranged marriage.

Wife: Kasturba Gandhi
Children: Four sons: Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, and Devdas

Education and Career as a Lawyer

Education:
Gandhi studied law in London, enrolling at Inner Temple in 1888. He returned to India in 1891 as a qualified barrister.
Early Legal Practice:
Gandhi struggled to establish himself as a lawyer in Bombay and Rajkot. In 1893, he accepted a one-year contract to work in South Africa, which became a turning point in his life.

Political Life and Nonviolent Movement

South Africa: Beginning of Activism (1893–1915)

Witnessing racial discrimination firsthand, Gandhi began advocating for the rights of Indians in South Africa.
He introduced the concept of Satyagraha (truth-force), focusing on nonviolent resistance.

Return to India and Leadership (1915–1948)

Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and joined the Indian National Congress.
He led numerous movements against British rule, including:
- Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha (1917-1918): Focused on farmers' rights.
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Called for the boycott of British goods and services.
- Salt March (1930): Protest against the salt tax imposed by the British.
- Quit India Movement (1942): Demanding complete independence from British rule.

Personal Life and Beliefs

Gandhi practiced strict vegetarianism and believed in the principle of Ahimsa (nonviolence).
He lived a simple life, often wearing only a loincloth and shawl made from homespun cloth (khadi).
Gandhi promoted harmony among different religions and sought to eradicate untouchability in Indian society.

Legacy and Death

Death: Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist.
Legacy:
- Known as the Father of the Nation in India.
- His birthday, October 2, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Nonviolence.
- His teachings inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama.

Interesting and Lesser-Known Facts About Mahatma Gandhi

Influence of Books: Gandhi was deeply influenced by Bhagavad Gita, Bible, and Unto This Last by John Ruskin.
Love for Walking: He walked extensively, including his famous 241-mile Salt March.
Experimentation: Gandhi conducted personal experiments with diet and health, often fasting for self-purification and protest.
Correspondence with World Leaders: He exchanged letters with figures like Leo Tolstoy, Albert Einstein, and Adolf Hitler.
Failed Early Court Case: Gandhi once froze during his first court appearance as a lawyer, leading to a failed case.
Nobel Prize Nomination: Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received it.
Stamp Collector: He was depicted on postage stamps in multiple countries.
Love for Music: Gandhi was fond of devotional songs, including the hymn Vaishnav Jan To.
Monuments- Raj Ghat, Gandhi Smriti.

This detailed biography of Mahatma Gandhi provides insights into his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

Here are some additional lesser-known and interesting facts about Mahatma Gandhi that go beyond what was mentioned in the biography:

Additional Lesser-Known Facts about Mahatma Gandhi

Tried to Join the British Army:
During the Boer War in South Africa, Gandhi volunteered to form an ambulance corps for the British Army, believing it was his duty to serve the empire.
Influence of Jainism:
Gandhi was deeply influenced by Jain principles, especially Ahimsa (nonviolence) and fasting for purification, which he encountered during his upbringing in Gujarat.
Lifelong Fear of Public Speaking:
Gandhi admitted that he was terrified of public speaking early in his life. His ability to inspire millions came after years of practice and self-discipline.
Failed Matriculation Exam:
Contrary to popular belief, Gandhi was not a top student. He once failed his matriculation exam before completing his law degree.
Dislike for Photography:
Gandhi rarely posed for photos, believing it to be a distraction. However, his iconic images are now synonymous with Indian independence.
Advocate for Simple Living:
Gandhi adopted his minimalist lifestyle after being inspired by John Ruskin's book Unto This Last, which emphasized labor, equality, and simplicity.
Coined 'Harijan':
He introduced the term Harijan (Children of God) for the Dalits (formerly referred to as untouchables) to promote their dignity and social acceptance.
First Use of the Spinning Wheel as a Symbol:
Gandhi popularized the spinning wheel (charkha) as a symbol of self-reliance and India's economic independence from British goods.
Avid Letter Writer:
Gandhi corresponded with many influential figures, including Tolstoy, Churchill, Einstein, and even Hitler. His letters reflect his thoughts on peace and morality.
Vegetarian Advocacy:
Gandhi joined the London Vegetarian Society while studying in England and wrote articles advocating vegetarianism as a healthier and more ethical lifestyle.
Autobiography's Original Title:
His autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, was originally written in Gujarati and titled Satya Na Prayogo.
Didn't Celebrate Independence:
Gandhi did not participate in the grand celebrations of India's independence in 1947, as he was busy trying to quell communal riots in Bengal.
Inspired Civil Rights Movements Worldwide:
Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Cesar Chavez cited Gandhi as a key influence in their nonviolent struggles for justice.
Belief in Fasting:
Gandhi saw fasting as a powerful tool for self-purification and protest. He undertook 17 fasts during India’s freedom struggle.
Disliked the Title 'Mahatma':
Gandhi was uncomfortable with the title "Mahatma" (Great Soul), feeling it elevated him above ordinary people, contrary to his values of humility.
Opposed Partition:
Gandhi was heartbroken by the partition of India and Pakistan, believing it was against his vision of a unified and harmonious India.
Invented a New Daily Schedule:
Gandhi lived by a rigid schedule that included early morning prayers, spinning, walking, and community service.
Refused Luxuries:
When invited to dine with the British royal family during the Round Table Conference, Gandhi insisted on wearing his simple loincloth and shawl, which he said represented the poorest in India.
Believed in Manual Labor:
Gandhi encouraged everyone, including intellectuals, to engage in manual labor, such as farming and cleaning, to eliminate class distinctions.
Influence on Global Leaders:
Albert Einstein famously remarked about Gandhi: "Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth."

These additional facts highlight Gandhi's multifaceted personality and profound impact on the world. His principles continue to resonate as timeless ideals of justice, simplicity, and peace.

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