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Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, was the leader of the
Indian independence movement against British rule. He employed nonviolent civil
disobedience as a means to achieve his goals. Gandhi is internationally honored for
his philosophy of nonviolence and his leadership of the Indian independence
movement. He is often called Mahatma, which means "Great Soul" in Sanskrit.
Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, in 1869. He studied law in London and
then returned to India to practice law. In 1893, he went to South Africa to
represent a Muslim client in a court case. While in South Africa, Gandhi became
involved in the struggle of Indian immigrants against racial discrimination. He
organized protests and strikes, and he also developed the philosophy of nonviolent
civil disobedience that he would later use in India.
In 1915, Gandhi returned to India and became involved in the independence movement.
He organized protests against British rule, and he also led campaigns for social
reform, such as the abolition of untouchability. Gandhi was arrested many times for
his political activities, but he never gave up his nonviolent approach.
In 1947, India gained independence from Britain. Gandhi was disappointed that the
British Indian Empire was partitioned into two dominions, a Hindu-majority India
and a Muslim-majority Pakistan. This led to widespread violence between Hindus and
Muslims, and Gandhi worked to try to bring peace.
Gandhi was assassinated in 1948 by a Hindu nationalist who opposed his views on
religious tolerance. He is considered one of the most important figures in Indian
history, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.