Introduction
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known to the world as Mahatma Gandhi, was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. His autobiography, simply titled "An Autobiography," provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and mind of this remarkable individual who changed the course of history through his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and pursuit of truth.
Gandhi's autobiography takes us on a journey from his childhood in India to his formative years as a lawyer in South Africa, and finally to his return to India where he became the leader of the Indian independence movement. Throughout the book, we see the development of Gandhi's ideas and principles that would ultimately shape his approach to social and political change.
This summary will explore the key ideas and events from Gandhi's life as presented in his autobiography, offering insights into the experiences and thoughts that shaped one of the world's greatest leaders.
Gandhi's Early Years
A Humble Beginning
Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in the western Indian state of Gujarat. He came from a Hindu merchant family belonging to the Modh Bania caste. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, worked as a diwan (chief minister) in several small princely states, while his mother, Putlibai, was a deeply religious woman.
From an early age, Gandhi was exposed to a diverse range of influences. His family had friends from various religious backgrounds, including Muslims, Jains, and Parsis. This early exposure to different faiths and cultures likely played a role in shaping Gandhi's inclusive worldview later in life.
Childhood and Education
As a student, Gandhi was unremarkable in his academic performance. However, he displayed an early interest in morality and ethics. He was particularly drawn to stories of honorable characters in the plays he read at school. One such tale that left a lasting impression on him was the story of Shravana, a young man who carried his blind parents on his shoulders as an act of devotion.
Gandhi also internalized an important principle from his Gujarati community: if one receives evil from another, one should respond with goodness. This idea would later become a cornerstone of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.
Child Marriage and Its Impact
At the age of 13, Gandhi was married to Kasturbai Makhanji Kapadia, who was of the same age. Child marriage was a common practice in India at the time, and Gandhi's wedding was part of a triple ceremony that included his brother and a cousin.
While Gandhi was initially excited about the marriage, he later became a vocal critic of child marriage. This early experience likely contributed to his lifelong advocacy for social reform and women's rights in India.
Teenage Rebellion and Moral Struggles
Experimenting with Vices
Like many teenagers, Gandhi went through a rebellious phase during his high school years. He befriended a troubled youth with a bad reputation, hoping to reform him. Instead, Gandhi found himself influenced by his friend's behavior.
One of the most significant transgressions for Gandhi was eating meat. Coming from a strict vegetarian family, this act was a major departure from his upbringing. His friend convinced him that eating meat would make him stronger, like the British colonizers. Despite feeling guilty and physically ill, Gandhi continued this practice for a while, even lying to his family about it.
Gandhi also experimented with smoking, stealing money to buy cigarettes with a relative. These experiences, while relatively minor, weighed heavily on Gandhi's conscience and contributed to his later emphasis on truth and moral integrity.
Struggles with Jealousy and Lust
In the early years of his marriage to Kasturbai, Gandhi grappled with intense feelings of jealousy and lust. He was possessive of his wife and demanded absolute fidelity from her, even though he had no reason to doubt her loyalty.
Gandhi also struggled with his sexual desires, often prioritizing physical intimacy over other aspects of their relationship. He later regretted not spending more time educating Kasturbai or helping her learn to read and write.
One particularly painful memory for Gandhi was leaving his dying father's bedside to be with Kasturbai. When he returned, his father had passed away. This incident left a deep impression on Gandhi and contributed to his later advocacy for celibacy and self-control.
Education in England and Early Career
The Decision to Study Law
After graduating from high school in 1887, Gandhi was encouraged by a friend to study law at University College in London. This decision was not without controversy, as it went against the customs of his caste. The idea of traveling abroad was considered taboo, and Gandhi faced threats of expulsion from his community if he pursued this path.
Despite these challenges, Gandhi was determined to further his education. To allay his mother's concerns about the temptations he might face in England, he made a sacred vow to abstain from women, meat, and wine during his time abroad.
Life in London
Gandhi's time in London was transformative. He faced numerous challenges, including adapting to a new culture and maintaining his vegetarian diet. However, these difficulties also led to personal growth and the development of his organizational skills.
He discovered a vegetarian restaurant on Farringdon Street that allowed him to honor his vow while still getting satisfying meals. This experience led him to join the Vegetarian Society and even start a local chapter in his London neighborhood. This was Gandhi's first experience in organizing and running a group, skills that would prove invaluable in his later activist work.
During his time in London, Gandhi also deepened his knowledge of law and religion. He went beyond the standard curriculum, challenging himself to read Roman Law in its original Latin. He also studied various religious texts, including the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita and the Christian Bible. He was particularly drawn to the New Testament's teachings on altruism and Jesus's Sermon on the Mount.
Return to India and Early Professional Struggles
After successfully completing his law studies and being called to the bar in June 1891, Gandhi returned to India. However, his homecoming was marred by the news of his mother's death during his absence.
Gandhi's early attempts at practicing law in India were fraught with challenges. His first case in Bombay ended in failure when he found himself paralyzed by shyness and unable to speak before the judge. This experience led him to focus on developing his confidence and public speaking skills.
Returning to his hometown of Rajkot, Gandhi encountered corruption in the local courts. He also had a run-in with a police officer, which made him worry about his future prospects in the legal profession.
Gandhi's Experiences in South Africa
A New Beginning
In April 1893, Gandhi accepted a position with an Indian law firm in South Africa. This move would prove to be a turning point in his life, exposing him to the harsh realities of racial discrimination and setting him on the path to becoming a civil rights leader.
Confronting Racism
Gandhi's experiences with racism in South Africa were both personal and eye-opening. He witnessed the segregation and discrimination faced by the Indian community, particularly the indentured laborers known as "coolies."
One of the most significant incidents occurred during a train journey to Pretoria. Despite having a first-class ticket, Gandhi was asked to move to the back section of the train because of his race. This experience, along with other instances of discrimination, such as nearly being forbidden from eating with other guests at a hotel, deeply affected Gandhi and fueled his determination to fight against injustice.
Legal Work and Community Organizing
In Pretoria, Gandhi began to establish himself as both a lawyer and a community leader. His first major case involved representing a Muslim merchant in a fraud case. Gandhi not only won the case but also arranged for the losing party to pay off his debt in installments, demonstrating his commitment to fairness and compassion.
Gandhi also started to engage in what he called "public work," or activism. He gave his first public speech to Pretoria's Indian community, emphasizing the importance of truth in business and urging the community to unite across religious and class lines to address their shared concerns.
These weekly meetings became a platform for the Indian community to come together and discuss their issues. Gandhi's ability to bridge divides and unite people of different backgrounds would become a hallmark of his leadership style.
Deepening Religious and Philosophical Studies
During his time in South Africa, Gandhi continued to deepen his understanding of various religions and philosophies. He engaged with Islamic teachings through his boss, Abdulla Sheth, and learned about Christianity from his colleague, A. W. Baker.
Gandhi's reading of philosophical works, such as Leo Tolstoy's "The Kingdom of God Is Within You," had a profound impact on his developing philosophy of nonviolent resistance. He also began to critically examine his own Hindu faith, questioning aspects such as the caste system.
Gandhi's Work in Natal and Return to India
Fighting for Indian Rights in Natal
Gandhi's work in South Africa expanded to the Republic of Natal, where he took on cases related to Indian voting rights. In 1893, legislation had been passed stripping Indians in Natal of their right to elect members to the legislative assembly. Gandhi's involvement gave hope to the Indian community, and he successfully submitted a petition to the Secretary of State for the Colonies to reconsider Indian voting rights.
To further support the Indian community in Natal, Gandhi established the Natal Indian Congress. This organization provided assistance to indentured workers who had been mistreated by their employers and successfully fought against a proposed annual tax on indentured Indians.
Brief Return to India and Raising Awareness
In 1896, Gandhi returned to India for six months, reuniting with his family after a three-year absence. During this time, he wrote the "Green Pamphlet," a document that exposed the poor conditions faced by Indians in South Africa and Natal.
Gandhi traveled to various Indian cities, including Poona, Madras, and Calcutta, to raise awareness about the plight of Indians in South Africa. He met with press editors to spread the word, unknowingly laying the groundwork for his future activism in India.
The Boer War and Ambulance Corps
Upon returning to Natal in 1897, Gandhi found himself in the midst of growing tensions between the British Empire and the Boer states. When war broke out in 1899, Gandhi felt a sense of duty to the British Empire, despite his sympathy for the oppressed Boers.
In response, he established an ambulance corps consisting of around 1,000 South African Indians, including himself. This experience not only gained national prestige for the Indian workers but also helped to unify the diverse Indian community in South Africa.
Humbling Experiences and Continued Learning
Following his work in the Boer War, Gandhi returned to India and volunteered for the Indian National Congress. He took on menial tasks, such as buttoning an official's shirt, viewing these experiences as valuable opportunities to understand how the Congress worked.
During this time, Gandhi also found a new mentor in Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a senior leader in the Indian National Congress. Living with Gokhale for a month allowed Gandhi to meet influential Indians and raise awareness about the struggles faced by working-class Indians.
To gain a more authentic perspective on the issues facing ordinary Indians, Gandhi embarked on a tour of India as a third-class train passenger. This experience exposed him to the poor sanitation and treatment that many Indians endured daily, further strengthening his resolve to fight for change.
The Development of Gandhi's Philosophy
Nonviolence (Ahimsa)
At the core of Gandhi's philosophy was his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, or ahimsa. This principle, rooted in Hindu scriptures, holds that while it is acceptable to attack a system, one should never attack a person. Gandhi believed that all individuals are reflections of Truth or God and therefore deserve compassion and understanding.
Gandhi applied this principle in his activism, emphasizing that his critiques of unjust systems were not personal attacks on individuals. For example, when addressing the issue of white police officers taking bribes from Indian and Chinese people, Gandhi focused on the systemic problem rather than vilifying the officers themselves.
Satyagraha: Truth-Force and Nonviolent Resistance
In 1907, Gandhi developed a new form of nonviolent resistance called satyagraha, a term derived from the Sanskrit words for truth (satya) and firmness (agraha). This philosophy was a culmination of Gandhi's commitment to Truth and his ideals of pacifism, resistance against injustice, and civil disobedience.
Satyagraha was inspired by the writings of Tolstoy, Thoreau, and Ruskin, who advocated for citizens to launch campaigns of nonviolent noncooperation against oppressive governments. Gandhi first employed this method in response to the discriminatory Asiatic Registration Act in South Africa, which required Indians to carry registration papers at all times or face deportation.
Self-Restraint and Celibacy
Another crucial aspect of Gandhi's philosophy was the practice of self-restraint, which he believed was essential for effective public service. In 1906, after consulting with his wife Kasturbai, Gandhi took a vow of brahmacharya, or celibacy.
Gandhi felt that this vow freed him from the distractions of lust and allowed him to focus entirely on serving the public. He extended this principle of self-restraint to other areas of his life, including his diet, choosing to eat simple, bland foods to avoid sensory distractions.
Gandhi's Return to India and the Independence Movement
Homecoming and National Recognition
In 1915, at the age of 45, Gandhi returned to India as a national hero. News of his accomplishments in South Africa had spread across the country, and his return was met with great fanfare. One of his first actions upon returning was to establish the Satyagraha Ashram in Ahmedabad, similar to his Phoenix Settlement in South Africa, where people could live a simple and fulfilling life.
Fighting Injustice in India
Gandhi quickly became involved in addressing various forms of injustice in India. One of his early campaigns was against the tinkathia system, which forced tenants to plant indigo for their landlords, essentially turning them into serfs. Despite being arrested and jailed for his involvement, Gandhi persisted in his efforts and eventually succeeded in abolishing the century-old practice.
The Rowlatt Act and Nationwide Protests
Gandhi's attention then turned to the Rowlatt Act, which would have given the British army the authority to arrest and detain Indians without evidence. In response, Gandhi called for a nationwide day of fasting, prayer, and noncooperation. Although the bill passed, the massive response to Gandhi's call demonstrated the growing power of his movement.
The Salt Satyagraha
One of the most significant campaigns in Gandhi's nonviolent resistance movement was the Salt Satyagraha. Since the 1870s, the British had imposed a heavy tax on salt, making it expensive for Indians to obtain. Gandhi encouraged Indians to make their own salt from seawater, directly challenging British authority and economic control.
The Non-Cooperation Movement
In 1920, at the Nagpur annual congress meeting, Gandhi's resolution for noncooperation with the British colonial government was passed. This marked a significant turning point in the Indian independence movement. The resolution called for:
- Boycotting British institutions, including educational and legal systems
- Rejecting British products, particularly textiles
- Promoting the use of khadi (homespun cloth garments)
- Encouraging Indians employed by the colonial government to quit their jobs
Gandhi urged people of all ages and genders to participate in spinning cloth as part of the independence movement, symbolizing self-reliance and rejection of British economic dominance.
The Impact and Legacy of Gandhi's Work
Although Gandhi's autobiography concludes at this point, his work and influence continued to grow. Events like the Salt March, which brought together tens of thousands of people from across India, became iconic symbols of the independence movement.
Gandhi's commitment to Truth and nonviolent resistance had a profound impact not only on India's struggle for independence but also on civil rights movements around the world. His philosophy and methods inspired leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States and Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
The power of Gandhi's approach lay in its ability to appeal to the conscience of the oppressor while empowering the oppressed. By maintaining a moral high ground and refusing to resort to violence, Gandhi's movement gained sympathy and support both within India and internationally.
Conclusion
Mohandas K. Gandhi's autobiography provides a unique insight into the development of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. From his humble beginnings in Gujarat to his transformation into a global symbol of peace and justice, Gandhi's life story is a testament to the power of personal conviction and nonviolent action.
Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to the pursuit of Truth, which he saw as synonymous with God. This unwavering dedication to Truth informed every aspect of his life and work, from his personal habits to his political strategies.
Gandhi's philosophy of satyagraha, or nonviolent resistance, proved to be a powerful tool in the fight against injustice. By combining moral authority with practical action, Gandhi was able to challenge entrenched systems of oppression and inspire millions to join the cause of Indian independence.
The lasting impact of Gandhi's work extends far beyond India's borders. His ideas continue to inspire activists, leaders, and ordinary citizens around the world who seek to bring about social and political change through peaceful means.
As we reflect on Gandhi's life and teachings, we are reminded of the enduring power of nonviolence, truth, and self-sacrifice in the face of injustice. His autobiography serves not only as a historical document but also as a guide for those who seek to make a positive difference in the world.
In a time when the world continues to grapple with issues of inequality, oppression, and violence, Gandhi's message remains as relevant as ever. His life story challenges us to examine our own beliefs and actions, and to consider how we can contribute to creating a more just and peaceful world.
Ultimately, Gandhi's autobiography is a call to action – an invitation to each of us to embark on our own journey of self-discovery and social change. By following Gandhi's example of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to truth, we too can work towards a better future for all humanity.