Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Father of the Nation, dedicated his life to India’s freedom and to the principles of truth, non-violence, and justice. His journey from Porbandar to becoming the leader of India’s independence struggle is full of inspiring events. Let us look at the timeline of the Gandhi Era through key dates and moments.
Early Life and Education (1869-1891)
- October 2, 1869: Born in Porbandar, Gujarat.
- 1883: Married Kasturba Gandhi at the age of 13.
- 1888: Travelled to London to study law at Inner Temple.
- 1891: Became a barrister and returned to India to practice law.
Years in South Africa (1893-1914)
- 1893: Went to South Africa for work as a lawyer.
- 1893: Thrown out of a train at Pietermaritzburg, which pushed him to fight racial discrimination.
- 1894: Started the Natal Indian Congress to defend Indian rights.
- 1903: Began publishing Indian Opinion, a weekly journal.
- 1904: Founded Phoenix Settlement, promoting simple living.
- 1906: Used Satyagraha (non-violent protest) for the first time.
- 1908: Arrested for opposing registration laws.
- 1910: Started Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg.
- 1913: Led a march of 2,221 people against unjust laws.
- Return to India and Early Movements (1915-1919)
- 1915: Returned to India; this date is now celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
- 1915: Founded Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.
- 1917: Launched Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar for indigo farmers.
- 1918: Supported workers during the Ahmedabad Mill Strike and began his first fast.
- 1918: Started the Kheda Satyagraha demanding tax relief for farmers.
- 1919: Opposed the Rowlatt Act with a nationwide strike.
- 1919: The tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre shook the nation.
Leading India’s Freedom Struggle (1920-1942)
- 1920: Began the Non-Cooperation Movement with the Khilafat leaders.
- 1922: Called off the movement after the Chauri Chaura incident turned violent.
- 1922: Arrested for sedition and jailed for six years.
- 1924: Presided over the Congress session at Belgaum, his only time as Congress President.
- 1930: Led the famous Dandi March (Salt March) against the salt tax.
- 1931: Signed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and attended the Round Table Conference in London.
- 1932: Fought against the Communal Award with a fast in jail; later signed the Poona Pact.
- 1934: Left Congress to work on rural reforms.
- 1942: Launched the Quit India Movement with the slogan Do or Die.
Final Years, Independence and Assassination (1944-1948)
- 1944: Kasturba Gandhi passed away in prison at Aga Khan Palace.
- 1946: Worked tirelessly for peace during communal riots in Bengal and Bihar.
- August 15, 1947: India became independent, but Gandhi mourned the Partition. He prayed and fasted for peace in Calcutta.
- January 1948: Began his final fast in Delhi to promote Hindu-Muslim unity.
- January 30, 1948: Assassinated by Nathuram Godse on his way to a prayer meeting in New Delhi.