How Old Was Mahatma Gandhi When He Died?

Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic leader of India’s independence movement, remains a revered figure worldwide. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or Satyagraha, inspired countless individuals and movements across the globe. But how old was Mahatma Gandhi when he died?

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The Early Life of Mahatma Gandhi

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, later known as Mahatma Gandhi, was the youngest child of his father’s fourth wife. His family belonged to the Bania caste, a merchant class. As a young boy, Gandhi was married to Kasturba Makhanji Kapadia at the age of 13, a common practice in India at the time.

Gandhi’s Education and Early Career

Gandhi’s formal education began at a local high school in Rajkot. He later attended Samaldas College in Bhavnagar but did not complete his degree. In 1888, at the age of 19, he traveled to England to study law at University College London.

The Rise of the Mahatma

Upon his return to India in 1891, Gandhi began practicing law in Bombay. However, his legal career was short-lived. In 1893, he was hired by an Indian firm to represent them in a lawsuit in South Africa. It was during his 21-year stay in South Africa that Gandhi developed his philosophy of satyagraha and began his political activism.

Gandhi’s Return to India and the Struggle for Independence

He led numerous nonviolent protests against British rule, including the famous Salt March in 1930. His unwavering commitment to nonviolence and his ability to mobilize millions of Indians made him a powerful force in the struggle for independence.

The Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi

Despite his immense popularity and influence, Gandhi’s life was tragically cut short. On January 30, 1948, at the age of 78, he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, at Birla House in New Delhi.

The Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy extends far beyond India’s independence. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance has inspired countless individuals and movements, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights movement in the United States and Nelson Mandela’s struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Gandhi’s teachings continue to inspire people around the world to work towards a more just and peaceful world.