Independence and nonviolence · India · 1869–1948
Mahatma Gandhi Life & Career Timeline
Satyagraha, civil disobedience and India’s struggle against colonial rule.
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18691881189319051917192919411948
MGMahatma GandhiIndependence and nonviolence · India
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About Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi developed mass nonviolent resistance in South Africa and India while confronting empire, social hierarchy and communal violence.
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Mahatma Gandhi biography
Mahatma Gandhi timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Porbandar
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born into a family serving the princely state of Porbandar.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgMarries Kasturba
The arranged marriage began a partnership that endured political struggle, imprisonment and family life.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgSails to study law
Gandhi entered Inner Temple and adapted to life in Victorian London.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgCalled to the Bar
He qualified as a barrister and soon returned to India.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgRemoved from a train
His ejection from a first-class carriage became a formative encounter with racial discrimination.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgNatal Indian Congress founded
Gandhi helped organise Indian residents against discriminatory legislation.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgOrganises ambulance corps
During the South African War, Gandhi organised Indian stretcher-bearers for British forces.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgSatyagraha campaign begins
A mass meeting launched nonviolent resistance to compulsory registration.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgReturns to India
After two decades in South Africa, Gandhi began studying Indian conditions and organising locally.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgChamparan satyagraha
He supported indigo cultivators and secured an official inquiry into exploitative conditions.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgAhmedabad mill strike
Gandhi used fasting and mediation during a dispute over workers’ wages.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgOpposes the Rowlatt Acts
A nationwide hartal protested emergency powers permitting detention without trial.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgNon-Cooperation Movement
Gandhi urged boycotts of colonial institutions while insisting on nonviolence.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgSalt March
The 240-mile march challenged the colonial salt monopoly and inspired mass civil disobedience.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgSecond Round Table Conference
Gandhi represented the Indian National Congress in constitutional negotiations.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgQuit India resolution
Congress demanded an end to British rule; Gandhi and other leaders were immediately imprisoned.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgIndependence and Partition
Gandhi marked independence away from official celebrations while working to curb communal violence.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgAssassinated in Delhi
Nathuram Godse shot Gandhi on his way to an evening prayer meeting.
Source: www.gandhiheritageportal.orgThis educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
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About the Mahatma Gandhi timeline
Who is Mahatma Gandhi?
Gandhi developed mass nonviolent resistance in South Africa and India while confronting empire, social hierarchy and communal violence.
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This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1869–1948.
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