Photograph of Mohandas K. Gandhi, signed
Subject
Mohandas Gandhi
(Indian, 1869 - 1948)
Datec. 1931
ClassificationsHistory
DimensionsPhotograph: 3 1/4 x 5 1/2 in. (3 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.)
DescriptionBlack and white photographic print of Mohandas K. Gandhi, mounted and framed, c. 1931. Gandhi is on board of a ship, standing amongst a crowd. The print is signed ("M.K Gandhi") across the center.Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948), also known by the honorific Mahatma, was an Indian political activist known for his nonviolent resistance to the British colonial rule of India. Gandhi was born in Porbandar, a city along the western coast of India. He trained as a lawyer in London, before returning to India to begin his practice. Gandhi then moved to South Africa in 1893 where he lived for two decades as he grew his legal practice. He returned to India in 1915, and quickly began working as a social and political activist - specifically as part of the Indian National Congress, a nationalistic Indian political party.
Gandhi took over leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921 and began a campaign of reforms throughout India based on religious pluralism and the rights of Indian self-rule. Gandhi spent the remainder of his life advocating for Indian independence through several means, including non cooperation with the British colonial rule. His Quit India Movement called for the British to end imperial rule over India and was credited with the British ultimately granting independence to India in 1947. Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, at a residence in New Delhi. His death was mourned throughout India, and over one million people took part in his funeral procession.
Gandhi is often considered one of the most important figures in modern India, and his nonviolent protest practices were inspirational for later civil rights movements.
