Coming from the Indian administrative bourgeoisie, Gandhi became a lawyer after studying law in India, then in London. He worked in South Africa, where he developed his political thought based on non-violence and passive resistance, and defended communities against racial discrimination.
In 1915, Gandhi returned to India and became the great leader of national liberation. Nicknamed the "Mahatma" ("the Great Soul"), he organizes economic boycotts by campaigning for the return of hand spinning and weaving to ensure local economic development without buying the products of the British Empire. He is also at the initiative of mass movements, such as the salt march of 1930 (demonstration which aimed to obtain Indian independence from the United Kingdom). These various actions will motivate, on the part of English justice, multiple imprisonments.
Si Nehru (a statesman who fought for the independence of India) politically embodies the national liberation movement from the years 1930, Gandhi still remains a central figure, and continues in particular to work on understanding between Hindus and Muslims.
He was assassinated in 1948 by a Hindu religious fanatic.
1869 - 1948
Status
Lawyer