Life of Mohandas Gandhi

Birth of Gandhi

Oct 2, 1869

Mahandas Karamchand Gandhi was born into a middle class family on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, a coastal town in British India. He was the last child of his father (Karamchand Gandhi) and his father's fourth wife (Putlibai).

Marriage

May 14, 1883

At age 13, Gandhi and Kasturba are married through an arranged marriage. Kasturba was only 10 years old. She went on to bear four children of Ghandi.

Gandhi Leaves for England

Sep 4, 1888

18 year old Gandhi traveled to London, England to study law at the University College London. He would also train as a barrister. In London, he first became interested in relegion, reading both Hindu and Christian scriptures.

Gandhi leaves to South Africa

Apr 14, 1893

Gandhi was 24 years old when he traveled to South Africa to work under a year long contract with an Indian Law Firm. His work in South Africa dramatically changed him with the constant discrimination he faced. South Africa was a turning point in Gandhi's life

First Arrested Gandhi

Jan 11, 1908

He was arrested for refusing to carry an obligatory ID Card in South Africa. He was released the following month after an understanding with the government was reached.

Great March

Nov 6, 1913

Gandhi led the "Great March" consisting of 2,037 men, 127 women, and 57 children. The point of this march was to gain Indian rights in South Africa. Gandhi was arrested, but the marchers continued on and finished.

Gandhi Establishes Satyagraha Ashram

Jun 17, 1917

Located in the suburbs of Sabarmati four miles away from town hall. This religious oriented farm was where Gandhi and his followers would stay. It is now an Indian National Monument.

Amitsar Massacre

Apr 13, 1919

British General Reginald Dyer and his troops opened fire at the Jallianwala Bagh where there was a peaceful gathering. Dyer and his troops fired until they had no more ammuntion. There were an estimated 379 deaths and 1100 wounded.

Non-Cooperation Movement

Sep 17, 1920

Gandhi and the Indian National Congress led this movement. It was the first ever movement of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.

INC Raises Tricolor Flag of India

Dec 31, 1929

The INC called for the British to grant dominion status within two years, if the deadline was not reached, Indians would fight for their Independence. The spinning wheel is a popular image associated with Gandhi. India soon declared their independence.

Salt March

Mar 12, 1930

Gandhi led a nonviolent protest against the British tax on salt. Their destination was Dandi where they would collect salt tax free. Gandhi was arrested just days before Dandi was reached.

Gandhi's First Fast

Sep 20, 1932

While in prison, Gandhi went on a six day fast to protest the separation of the Untouchables. His fasts were effective because the British did not want him to die in their hands. Gandhi went on many more fasts in his life.

Discussions to Keep India a Whole Fail

Jun 21, 1944

Gandhi wanted to keep India as a whole between Hindus and Muslims. However, Ali Jinnah announces the separation of India and East Pakistan. This disappointed Gandhi.

Indian Independence

Jun 15, 1947

The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was enacted by Parliament ending the partition of Indian and giving Pakistan and India their Independence. Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn in as the first Prime Minister of India.

Death

Jan 30, 1948

Mohandas Gandhi was on his way to Pakistan when Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist shot and killed him. This assassination was a conspiracy of 7 men.