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Questions and Answers
Where was Mahatma Gandhi born?
Where was Mahatma Gandhi born?
What inspired Gandhi to become a champion of civil disobedience?
What inspired Gandhi to become a champion of civil disobedience?
In which city did Gandhi study law?
In which city did Gandhi study law?
What degrees did Gandhi earn from University College London?
What degrees did Gandhi earn from University College London?
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Why did Gandhi decide to devote himself to advocating for social justice issues?
Why did Gandhi decide to devote himself to advocating for social justice issues?
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Where did Gandhi face racially motivated opposition when he tried to practice law?
Where did Gandhi face racially motivated opposition when he tried to practice law?
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What event significantly influenced Gandhi's political views during his time in South Africa?
What event significantly influenced Gandhi's political views during his time in South Africa?
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Which movement challenged the salt tax levied on Indians and was led by Gandhi in 1930?
Which movement challenged the salt tax levied on Indians and was led by Gandhi in 1930?
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What event led to India gaining independence in 1947, according to the text?
What event led to India gaining independence in 1947, according to the text?
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What philosophy of activism did Gandhi develop as a result of his experiences in South Africa?
What philosophy of activism did Gandhi develop as a result of his experiences in South Africa?
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When did Gandhi return to India and embrace a more active role in public life?
When did Gandhi return to India and embrace a more active role in public life?
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Which movement organized by Gandhi in 1942 aimed at demanding an end to British rule in India?
Which movement organized by Gandhi in 1942 aimed at demanding an end to British rule in India?
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Study Notes
Gandhi's Life
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a significant figure in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, he spent his formative years studying law in London before returning to India. His experiences of discrimination against Indians in South Africa fueled his desire for equality and inspired him to become a champion of civil disobedience.
Early Years and Education
Born into a middle-class family, Gandhi received his early education at home under the guidance of his mother and father. He later attended high school in Rajkot and pursued further studies at college in Samaldas, Bhavnagar, and Alliance School, Isleworth. In 1888, he embarked on a journey to England to study law. Although he initially struggled with the English language, his determination led him to excel in his studies and earn three degrees from University College London: a Bachelor's degree in Law, a Bachelor of Arts degree, and a Master of Science degree.
Return to India
Upon his return to India, Gandhi faced disappointment when his attempts to practice law were thwarted by racially motivated opposition. This experience, coupled with witnessing widespread poverty and inequality in India, led him to question the role of the legal profession. In response, he decided to devote himself to advocating for social justice issues instead.
Experiences in South Africa
In 1893, Gandhi traveled to South Africa to work as a lawyer. He experienced racial persecution firsthand, which significantly influenced his political views and ultimately led him to begin a nonviolent resistance movement. After being thrown off a train while resisting racist laws, he was jailed and placed in a prisoner-of-war camp during World War I. These events shaped his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which would come to define his approach to activism.
Political Career in India
After returning to India in 1915 following a period of reflection, Gandhi embraced a more active role in public life by organizing peasants and weavers into protest movements against policies he considered unjust. By 1919, he had established the Satyagraha Ashram, where he trained volunteers in nonviolent resistance.
Struggle for Independence and Nonviolent Resistance
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Gandhi's leadership played a crucial role in driving the Indian National Congress' resistance to British rule. Some of his most notable campaigns included the Salt March of 1930, which challenged the salt tax levied on Indians; the Quit India movement in 1942; and a campaign of mass civil disobedience in 1946–47.
These efforts culminated in India gaining its independence in 1947, although it cost Gandhi his own life. On January 30, 1948, he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi's idea of Hindu-Muslim unity.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his lifetime, Gandhi remained steadfast in promoting peace, love, truth, and compassion through nonviolent means. His legacy continues to inspire people worldwide, serving as a reminder that change can be achieved through peaceful resistance.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Mahatma Gandhi's life, from his early years and education to his experiences in South Africa, political career in India, and his struggle for independence through nonviolent resistance. Learn about his legacy and impact on the world.
