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Mahatma Gandhi: Quick Facts

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News •

Sonia Gandhi, matriarch of Indian political dynasty, tells her story in new memoir • Nov. 10, 2026, 8:35 AM ET (Straits Times)
India news: 'Cockroaches' back Gandhi's rally against election chief • Oct. 29, 2026, 10:20 AM ET (Deutsche Welle)

Facts

Also Known As Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Born October 2, 1869 • Porbandar • India
Died January 30, 1948 (aged 78) • Delhi • India
Founder Natal Indian Congress
Political Affiliation Indian National Congress
Notable Family Members spouse Kasturba Gandhi
Role In Poona Pact • Quit India Movement • Round Table Conference • Salt March • noncooperation movement

Did You Know?

  • As a young child Gandhi was very shy and would run home as soon as school ended to avoid talking to anyone.
  • The United Nations declared Gandhi's birthday, October 2nd, as the International Day of Non-violence in 2007.
  • Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received the award.
  • Time Magazine named Mahatma Gandhi Person of the Year in 1930.
  • Before taking a vow of celibacy, Mahatma Gandhi had four sons.

Photos and Videos

Mahatma Gandhi
Photo of Gandhi and Sarojini Naidu on the Salt March
Mohandas K. Gandhi, wearing a traditional shawl, stands at the front left beside Sarojini Naidu in a sari, with other delegates behind them at the 1931 Round Table Conference in London.
Mahatma Gandhi in 1930
Mahatma Gandhi
Aga Khan Palace (Gandhi National Memorial)
Droupadi Murmu, President of India, places a flower garland at Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat, accompanied by military officers, with flower decorations visible on the platform.
Black marble platform at Raj Ghat in Delhi, India, marking Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site, with an eternal flame and orange flower garlands on top.
Postage stamp honoring Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi lies in state covered with flower petals at Birla House, New Delhi, as his niece places petals on his brow and mourners gather around him.
Collage of raised-fist silhouettes over a halftone orange, yellow, and green background, featuring historic newspaper text and faint crowd imagery.
Watch the funeral procession for Mahatma Gandhi, February 2, 1948
Gandhi's funeral procession
See All Videos and Images →

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