Important Points About Mahatma Gandhi for SSC,UPSC and other Competitive exams

Mahatma Gandhi

Full Name: Mahatma Gandhi [Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi]

Nationality: Indian

Profession: Pacifist and Spiritual Leader

Why Famous: Mahatma Gandhi or Bapu (Father of the Nation), pioneered Satyagraha, resistance through mass non-violent civil disobedience, first in South Africa where he fought for the rights of Indians, and later in India as a leader in the fight for Indian independence from British rule.

Born: October 2, 1869

Star Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Porbandar, Kathiawar Agency, India

Died: January 30, 1948 (aged 78)

Cause of Death: Assassination

Historical Events in the Life of Mahatma Gandhi

1893-06-07 Gandhi's first act of civil disobedience.

1894-08-22 Mahatma Gandhi forms the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) in order to fight discrimination against Indian traders in Natal.

1906-09-11 Mahatma Gandhi coins the term "Satyagraha" to characterize the Non-Violence movement in South Africa.

1910-02-26 Gandhi supports the African People's Organisations resolution to declare the Prince of Wales day of arrival in South Africa a day of mourning, in protest against the South Africa Acts disenfranchisement of Indians, Coloureds and Africans.

1911-04-27 Indian passive resistance is suspended when Gen. J.C. Smuts enters into negotiations with Mahatma Gandhi.

1912-10-02 Gopal Krishna Gokhale, at invitation of Gandhi, arrives in South Africa on a 26-day tour; he also visits Tolstoy Farm.

1913-01-02 Mahatma Gandhi leaves the Tolstoy Farm in Transvaal, South Africa.

1913-06-14 The South African Government pass the Immigration Act, which restricts the entry and free movement of Asians; it leads to widespread agitation and rioting by resident Indians, led by Gandhi.

1913-10-19 At a meeting of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) in Durban, NIC secretaries, M. C. Anglia and Dada Osman, severely criticise Mahatma Gandhi and tender their resignations.

1913-11-06 Mahatma Gandhi arrested for leading Indian miners' march in South Africa

1914-01-14 The Gandhi-Smuts Agreement is reached between Gen. J.C. Smuts and Mahatma Gandhi, regarding voluntary registration, poll tax, recognition of Indian marriages and other matters.

1914-01-25 An Indian mass meeting in Durban unanimously endorse the agreement between General J.C. Smuts and Mahatma Gandhi regarding voluntary registration, poll tax, recognition of Indian marriages and other matters.

1914-02-10 In accordance with the understanding reached by General J.C. Smuts and Mahatma Gandhi, 60 passive resistance prisoners released from Pietermaritzburg Prison; 40 passive resisters released in Durban, 8 in Newcastle, 11 in Port Elizabeth.

1914-06-26 The Indian Relief Act, passes after a protracted period of Passive Resistance led by Gandhi; it abolishes a £3 tax imposed on Indians who had not renewed their indentures and recognizes "the validity of Indian customary marriages".

1914-06-30 Mahatma Gandhi's 1st arrest after campaigning for Indian rights in South Africa.

1914-07-18 Gandhi leaves South Africa after successfully leading campaigns of Passive Resistance.

1919-03-30 Gandhi announces resistance against Rowlatt Act.

1919-04-06 Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi orders a General Strike.

1922-03-18 British magistrates in India sentence Mahatma Gandhi to 6 years imprisonment for disobedience.

1924-02-24 Mahatma Gandhi released from jail.

1930-03-12 Mohandas Gandhi begins 200m (300km) march protesting British salt tax

1931-03-05 Gandhi & British viceroy Lord Irwin sign pact

1932-01-04 British Viceroy of India Lord Willingdon arrests Gandhi & Nehru

1932-09-20 Gandhi begins hunger strike against treatment of untouchables

1933-05-08 Mohandas Gandhi begins a 21-day fast in protest against British oppression in India.

1933-08-23 Mahatma Gandhi released from Indian jail following yet another hunger strike

1934-04-07 In India, Mahatma Gandhi suspended his campaign of civil disobedience

1939-03-03 In Mumbai (Bombay), Mohandas Gandhi begins to fast in protest against autocratic rule in India.

1942-08-09 Mahatma Gandhi & 50 others arrested in Bombay after passing of a "quit India" camp.