Chronology

(COMPLETE) mkgandhi.org Mind of Mahatma Gandhi Chronology

Year/Month Date Event Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi born of a Bania (Vaishya or trading caste) family at Porbunder, Kathiawar, the youngest of the three sons of Karamchand ALIAS Kaba Gandhi, prime Minister successively in Porbunder, Rajkot and Vankaner States, and his fourth wife Putlibai. Goes to Rajkot with parents; attend primary school there till twelfth year; is betrothed to Kasturbai, daughter of Gokuldas Makanji, merchant. Enters high school at Rajkot.

Feedback

1869 Oct

1876

1881

1883

Marries Kasturbai.

1884-85

Takes to meat-eating in secret, but abandons habit after about a year to avoid deceiving his parents. Passes matriculations examinations; joins Samaldas College at Bhavnagar (Kathiawar), but gives up studies at close of first term. 4 Sails for England Reaches London

1887 1888 Sept

Oct

28

Lives on vegetarian diet. Takes lessons in dancing and music for a short time, thinking they are necessary parts of a gentlemans equipment Reads books on simple living and decides to reduce expenses by half; studies religious literature; reads Gita for first time and is deeply impressed. Cultivates contacts with vegetarian movement; for short while conducts vegetarian club.

1889

1890

June

passes London Matric

Sept 1891 June 10 12

joins Vegetarian Society. Called to the Bar Sails for India.

July

Reaches Bombay.

Nov

Applies for admission to Bombay High Court.

1892

struggles with legal practice at Rajkot and Bombay; later settles down at former place as legal draftsman. leaves for South Africa, being engaged by a Muslim firm for legal work Experience colour bar in various forms; decides to remain and fight race prejudice. 22 Founds Natal Indian Congress Enrolled as Advocate of Supreme Court of Natal, being first Indian to be so enrolled. Studies religious literature including the Bible, the Koran and Tolstoys The kingdom of god is within you. Gets more committed to south African Indian cause. issues The Indian Franchise : An appeal to Every Briton in South Africa. Returns to India and starts agitation on behalf of south African Indians. Publishes The Green Pamphlet at Rajkot, Tours Bombay, madras, Poona and Calcutta educating Indians in regard to grievances of south African Indians Sails for South Africa with wife and children. 20 Mobbed on landing at Durban by crowd excited by reports of his speeches in India on conditions of indentured Indian labour in South Africa.

1893 April

May-June 1894 Aug

Sept

1895

1896 July

Aug Nov 1897 Jan

14 30 13

20

Declines to prosecute assailants. Submits long memorial to Chamberlain, secretary of State for colonies, regarding landing incidents, background. Carries on programme of petitioning local and Imperial Authorities, as well as ofcommunicating with British and Indian public men regarding discriminatory laws. Represents to Indian National Congress, Colonial and Imperial authorities, against Locations and restrictions on Indians trading rights. Raises Indian Ambulance Corps in Boer War, which goes into action and is mentioned in dispatches; awarded war medal. Sends Dadabhai Naoroji draft resolution on South African Indian problem, for Congress session

April

1898-99

1899

1990 1901 Oct Dec 18 14 27

Sails for India Reaches Rajkot via Porbunder. Moves resolution on South Africa at congress

1902 Jan, 28 Feb July Nov 1

Visits Rangoon Stays for a month with Gokhale at Calcutta. Returns to Rajkot, settles down to Practice. Shifts to and sets up practice at Bombay Is called to south Africa to champion Indians cause against anti-Asiatic legislation in Transvaal.

Dec

Arrives in Durban : leadsdelegation to chamberlain Enrolled as Attorney of Supreme Court of Transvaal; founds Transvaal British Indian Association. Sends weekly statements regarding situation to Dadabhai Naoroji Indian opinion commences publication Reads Ruskins Unto This Last: founds Phoenix Settlement near Durban (Natal); organizes hospital during outbreak of plague in Johannesburg; writes series of articles in Gujarati on dietetics which are later translated into English and

1903

June

1904

published under the title Guide to Health. Opposes Bengal Partition, supports boycott of British goods. During Gokhale, Lajpat Rai deputation to Britain, appeals to Colonial statement to treat India, an integral part of the Empire, with consideration. Leads deputation to Lord Selborne, British High Commissioner, concerning Transvaal Indian problem. 12 27 June-July Support home rule for India in the name of justice and for good of humanity Writes to brother, Lakshmidas, declaring disinterestedness in worldly possessions. Raises Indian Stretcher-bearer Corps in Zulu Rebellion; takes vow of Brahmacharya for life. 11 Addresses mass meeting of Indian sat Johannesburg, which takes oath of passive resistance against newly promulgated Transvaal Asiatic Law Amendment Ordinance. In England on deputation to present Indians case to Colonial Secretary Returns to South Africa.

1905

1906May

Sept Oct,21 Nov 30 Dec.

18

1907 JanFeb.

Writes series of 8 articles in Gujarati on "Ethical Religion", published weekly in Indian Opinion and later, as a book Asiatic Registration Act passed in Transvaal Parliament. Indians hold protect meetings. Sees smuts at Pretoria, acquaints him with resolutions adopted at mass meeting. Pledge, in Indian Opinion, opposition to Black Act. Black Act receives royal assent

March

April

May

July

Address mass meeting opposing Black Act Writes to Smuts criticising Registration Act, suggesting amendments. Passive resistance, picketing of Permit Offices; defends passive resisters in court.

Aug

Dec

Smuts decides to prosecute Gandhiji Asks Government for suspension of Registration act, offers voluntary registration. Adopt word; Satyagraha in place of Passive Resistance. Sentenced to 2 months imprisonment for failure to leave Transvaal. Agrees to settlement on basis of voluntary registration, if registration Act is repealed. Summoned to see General Smuts at Pretoria and released, on reaching a compromise. Nearly killed by Pathans who regard the compromise, under which Indians are expected to give their finger prints voluntarily, as a betrayal of Indian interests; refuses to prosecute his assailants. Negotiates with Smuts forfulfillment of promise of repeal of Act which Smuts denies; Corresponding with Smuts released; Indians in mass meeting decide to refuse thumb impression and burn registration certificates Declares use of violence harmful, even useless to uproot British rule in India Appeals to Smuts to repeal Black Act. Registration certificates burnt at meetings, passive resistance resumed Royal assent is given to amended Registration Act. Smuts refuses Indian terms for settlement 15 Arrested and sentenced sentenced to 2 months rigorous imprisonment Released from VolksrustJail. Indian National Congress adopts resolution on South Africa, criticizing the harsh, humiliating and cruel treatment of British Indians in South Africa as injurious to British Empire. Arrested at Volksrust for failing to produce registration certificate; on deportation, returned and is re-arrested, but released on bail. Writes to press calling on Indians to prepare for final phase of struggle

1908Jan

10

21

30

Feb

10

March-June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Dec

12

1909 Jan

16

20

Feb May

25 2 24

Arrested at Volksrust; sentenced to 3 months Transferred toPretoria Central Jail released. Leaves with Haji Habib, on deputation to England to represent Indian case. Arrives in London. With the assistance of Lord Ampthill, works ceaselessly to educate influential British leaders, the public, and to move Imperial authorities. Writes to Tolstoy regarding Passive Resistance movement. The times reports failure of Gandhi Government negotiations on Transvaal laws. Replies to Tolstoy, sends his biography by Doke.

June

21

July

10

Oct Nov

1 9

10

13

Leaves England for South Africa Writes Hind Swaraj on board "s. s. Kildonan Castle"

30

Reaches South Africa Congress at Lahore adopts resolution praising Indians struggle in South Africa, urging ban on indenture. Sends Tolstoy copy of Indians Home Rule, seeks comments Tolstoy replies; question of passive Resistance of greatest importance not only for India but for humanity. Founds Tolstoy Farm Pays memorial tribute to Tolstoy Communicates with Smuts regarding amendments to Immigrants Restrictions Bill; latter assures; no colour bar taint in laws

Dec 1910 April May

29 4 8

30 Dec 1911 Jan March April 27 22 4

Interviews smuts atCape town Smuts agrees to assurances demanded by Indians in reciprocation of suspension of Passive Resistance movement

May June Dec 1912 March Sept

3 24 8 16 12

Meets Smuts: ProvisionalSettlement" arrived on Smuts promise of repeal of Asiatic Registration and Immigrations Restriction Acts Pledges loyalty to King-emperor on coronation Invites Gokhale to South Africa Commends Gokhales attempts for abolition of indenture system Phoenix Trust is set up Accompanies Gokhale, on tour of South Africa, Laurenco Marques, Mozambique and Zanzibar. Gives up European dress and milk and restricts himself to diet of fresh and dried fruit. Refers in Indian Opinion to the possibility of return home to India by mid-year. Indian marriages in South Africa invalidated by Searles Supreme Court judgement. Indians in mass meeting protest against Searle Judgement In Indian opinion draws attention to new Immigration Bills failure to fulfill terms of Provisional Settlement of 1911.Kasturba decides to join passive Resistance struggle. Warns Government of certainty of revival of movement if it fails to grant promised relief. Idea of return to India deferred in view of stringent application of discriminatory laws and likely resumption of satyagraha Express readiness for negotiations Announces negotiation "proved abortive Passive Resistance is revived

Oct

22

1913Jan March

18 14

30

April

12

May

19

June

27 Sept 13 15

16

Kasturba is arrested Visits Newcastle; urges indentured Indians to cease work till repeal of 3 tax. 3000 minor strike

Oct

17

24

proposes March into Transvaal

28

March formNewcastle begins

30 Nov 3 5

Reaches Charlestown Announces March" into Transvaal to court arrest Telephones Smuts seeking assurance of repeal of 3 tax

Leads Great March Arrested at Palmford

At Volksrust, released on bail; rejoin Marchers

Arrested at Standerton; released on recognizance; March continues

Arrested at Teakworth, taken to Balfour

10

Takes one meal a day pledge till repeal of tax

11

Sentenced, at Dundee, to 9 months rigorous imprisonment

13

Removed to Volksrust gaol

14

Sentenced to 3 months on fresh count at Volksrust Released unconditionally; from time of release till settlement take only one meal a day and puts on indentured labourers dress.

Dec 1914 Jan

18

13,16 Interviews Smuts, submits proposals 22 Suspends satyagraha following agreement with Smuts. Fourteen days penitential fast for moral lapse of inmates of Farm

June July Aug 18 4

Indian Relief Act is passed Sails for England, EN ROUTE to India Reaches London. Raises Indian Volunteer Corps volunteer corps on duty 19 9 20 Sails for India Reaches India. Awarded Kaiser-I-Hind Gold Medal for Ambulance services Founds Satyagraha Ashram (later known as Sabarmati Ashram, after the name of the river) at Ahmedabad Tours India and Burma, travelling 3rd class on the railways Successfully agitates against indentured Indian emigration; idea of making use of spinning-wheel to produce handmade cloth on large scale takes root in his mind Goes to Champaran (Bihar) to investigate conditions of labour in indigo plantations; arrested and later released; appointed by Bihar Government as member of committee set up t o inquire into ryots grievances. Takes up cause of textile labourers of Ahmedabad and fasts to secure amicable settlement of dispute; initiates satyagraha in Kaira District (Bombay) to secures suspension of revenue assessment on failure of crops 27 Attends Viceroys War Conference at Delhi and addresses it in Hindustani; subsequently tours Kaira District to raise recruits for army Signs Satyagraha pledge to secure withdrawal of Rowlatt Bills. inaugurates all-India satyagraha movement ; countrywide HARTAL

Oct Dec 1915Jan May 1915-16 1917

April

1918 JanMarch

April

1919Feb April

28 6

Arrested on way to Delhi for refusal to co, ply with order 8-11 not to enter Punjab; escorted back to Bombay; outbreaks of violence in several towns. Jallianwala Bagh tragedy at Amritsar, troops firing on an unarmed crowd and killing over 400. Addresses public meeting near Sabarmati Ashram and declares three days penitential fast

13

14

Confesses at Nadiad his 'Himalayan miscalculation regarding satyagraha martial law declared in Punjab.

18

Suspends satyagraha.

Sept

Assumes editorship of the Gujarati monthly, Navajivan, later published weekly in Hindi also Assumes editorship of the English weekly, Young India; joins non-official committee of inquiry into official excesses in Punjab 24 presides over all-India Khilafat Conference at Delhi Advises acceptance of Montague-Chelmsford Reforms by Congress at Amritsar. Leads deputation to Viceroy to press on British Government not to deprive Sultan of Turkey (who was also Khalifa of Muslim) of his suzerainty over Holy Places of Islam. 1 Address letter to Viceroy surrendering Kaiser-I-Hind Medal, Zulu War Medal and Boer War Medal Special session of Indian National Congress at Calcutta accepts his programme of non-co-operation to secure redress of Punjab and Khilafat wrongs Founds Gujarat Vidyapeeth at Ahmedabad Nagpur Congress session adopts his resolution declaring object of Congress to be attainment of Swaraj by the people of India by all legitimate and peacefully means Launches programme of enlisting a crore of members in Congress, raising a crore of rupees for Tilak Swaraj fund and setting up 20 lakhs of charkhas in the country in furtherance of national constructive movement Leads campaign for complete boycott of foreign cloth and light s monster bonfire of foreign cloth in Bombay Invested with full dictatorial powers by Congress session at Ahmedabad 1 Gives notice to Viceroy of Intention to launch satyagraha campaign in Bardoli (Gujarat).

Oct Nov Dec

1920Jan

Aug

Sept

Nov

Dec

1921April

Aug

Dec

1922Feb

Following Chauri Chaura (UP) tragedy, in which 21 police constables and one sub-inspector were burnt to death by a mob, fasts for five days and abandons plan of satyagraha movement Arrested for sedition at Sabarmati and sentenced (march 18) to six years imprisonment. Operated on for appendicitis in Sassoon Hospital, Poona (jan.12) and released on Feb.5.

March

10

1924Jan-Feb

April Sept Dec 18

Resumes editorship of Young India and Navajivan. Begins 21 days fast for Hindu-Muslim unity. Provides over Congress session at Belgaum.

1925Sept

Founds All-India Spinners Association Seven days vicarious fast for misdeeds of Ashram inmates. Commences writing his autobiography,'The story of my Experiments with Truth'. Visits Ceylon Moves resolution at Calcutta Congress session in favour of Independence if Dominion Status in not granted by end of 1929. At his instance Lahore Congress session declares that Swaraj in Congress creed shall mean Purna Swaraj (complete independence). Appointed by A.I.C.C. as Congress Dictator to launch Civil Disobedience movement. 2 Addresses letter to Victory intimating his intention to break Salt law if Congress demands are not conceded Commences march to Dandi sea-beach, where he ceremoniously picks up salt (April 6). Arrested and imprisoned without trial; HARTAL all over India; over 100,000 are jailed before close of year Unconditionally released from prison

Nov

1927Nov

1928Dec

1929Dec

1930Feb

March

12

May 1931Jan

5 26

Feb-march

Has series of talks with Viceroy resulting in Irwin-Gandhi Pact 29 sails for England as sole Congress delegate to Second Round Table Conference. Attends session of Conference 5 28 Leaves England for India lands in Bombay Arrested and imprisoned without trial commences fast unto death in jail to secure abolition of separate electorates for Harijans in communal Award Breaks fast on Government of Indias acceptance of his demand regarding Harijans Founds the weekly paper Harijan, published in English and Hindi Commences at noon 21 days fast for self purification; released unconditionally at 9 p.m. Announces suspension of Civil Disobedience movement for six weeks and calls on the Government to withdraw its Ordinances Breaks fast. Disbands Satyagraha Ashram Informs Government of Bombay of his decision to March from Ahmedabad to Ras with 33 followers to revive Civil Disobedience Movement Arrested and imprisoned without trial Released and rearrested for breaking a restraint order Goes on fast on being denied facilities to carry on antiuntouchability propaganda

Aug

Sept-Dec Dec

1932 Jan Sept

4 20

26

1933 Feb, May

11 8

29 July 26 30

31 Aug 4 16

23 Nov 1934Sept Oct 1936April 1937Oct 7 17 26 30 22

Released unconditionally commences Harijan-uplift tour Announces decision to retire from politics from October 1 to engage himself in development of village industries, Harijan service and education through basic crafts Inaugurates All-India Village Industries Association. Settles down at Sevagram, a village near Wardha in the Central Provinces, making it his headquarters Presides over Educational Conferences at Wardha and outlines his scheme of education through basis crafts Commences fast unto death at Rajkot to secure Rulers adherence to promise given to reform administration, and ends it on March 7 on Viceroys intervention Meets viceroy by invitation in connection with war situation Sanctions individual civil disobedience; suspends Harijan and allied weeklies following official demand for precensorship of reports and writing in Harijan on the subject of Satyagraha.

1939 March

1940 July&Sept

Oct

1941Dec 1942Jan March

30 18 27

At his own request is relieved of his leadership of Congress by Working Committee. Restarts Harijan and allied weeklies Meets Sir Stafford Cripps in New Delhi; later declares Cripps proposals to be a post-dated cheque. Appeals to British Government to quit India Addresses A.I.C.C. session in Bombay on implication of Quit India resolution. Arrested and interned in Agakhans palace at Poona

May

Aug

15

Death of Mahadev Desai, Gandhijis personal secretary, from heart failure, in Aga Khans palace

Aug-Dec 1943Feb 1944Feb May Sept Oct 10 22 6

Corresponds with Viceroy and Government of India regarding disturbances Commences 21 days fast, which he breaks on march 3 Kasturba Gandhi dies in Aga Khan palace Released unconditionally

9-27 Carries on talks with M.A. Jinnah regarding Pakistan 2 Presentation of purse of 110lakhs of rupees ( 8,25,000) for Kasturba Memorial on occasion of 75thbirthday In a statement regarding the ensuing San Francisco Conference says that peace is impossible without equality and freedom of India. Also demands a just peace for Germany and Japan. Lays foundation stone of C.F. Andrews Memorial Hospital at Santiniketan. Tour Bengal and Assam

1945 April

17

Dec 1945-46DecJan 1946 Jan& Feb Feb April

19

tours Southern India for anti-untouchability and Hindustani Propaganda. 10 Revives Harijan and allied group of weekly journals. Participates in political talks with Cabinet Mission in Delhi In Simla; Simla Conference in session; deliberations prove infructuous Cabinet mission announces Plan

May

5-12

16

1819

Discusses Plan with Cabinet mission

26 June 6 7

Considers Plan best document produced by British Government under circumstances. In Mussoorie Returns to Delhi.

10

Refuses to enthuse over Allied Victory as not being Victory of truth over falsehood. Viceroy interviews Gandhiji, moots proposal of coalition Government at Centre Cabinet Mission negotiations discontinued; Viceroy proposes Interim Government. Congress Working Committee decides to accept interim Government scheme. Attends Working Committee meeting. Gandhiji is seen by Cripps Advices Congress not to enter Interim Government, but only Constituent Assembly

11

16

18

20-1

23

24

Meets Cabinet Mission

28

Leaves Delhi forPoona; attempts made to derail train EN ROUTE Address A.I.C.C. meeting at Bombay; Congress accepts Cabinet Mission Plan of May 16. Jinnah threatens sanctions of Direct Action Viceroy announces invitation to Congress to form Provisional Government. The Great Calcutta Killing

July

31

Aug Aug

12 1618 24

Viceroy Wavell broadcasts Plan

27 Sept 4 26

Gandhiji cables warning to British Government against repetition of Bengal tragedy; also writes to Wavell Interim Government formed Has interview with Wavell

Oct

9 10

Jinnahs 9-point demands conveyed to Congress Noakhali Massacre

15

Muslim League agrees to enter Interim Government

28

Leaves for Calcutta. Riots breaks out in Bihar Leaves for Noakhali; issues statement on Partial Fast. Noakhali tour begins. Starts tour without party Completes month-long sojourn at Srirampur At Noakhali, says :"I am being tested through and through". Jawaharlal Nehru calls on Gandhiji, who says: "my reason wholly supports my heart Says: "all around me is utter darkness". Leaves Srirampur on walking tour

Nov

20 Dec 20 25

30

1947 Jan

3-29 In Bihar, touring riot-affected areas

30 April 1-2 15

Leaves Patna for Delhi Gandhiji addresses Asian Relation Conference in Delhi Issues with Jinnah joint appeal for communal peace

29 May 1 5

In Bihar Congress Working Committee accepts Partition in principle. In interview, Gandhiji denies that communal division of India is inevitable

24

Leaves Bihar for Delhi

31

Declares peace must precede Partition, he would not be party to Indias vivisection. Viceroys Partition plan revealed; Congress Working Committee conveys acceptance. Indian leader broadcast on Mountbatten Plan Gandhiji writes to Mountbatten, with Pakistan conceded to persuade Jinnah to amicable settle all outstanding points with Congress Addresses Congress Working Committee

June

12

July

Independence of India Bill passed

27

Appeals to Princes to regard peoples paramountcy as a privilege Hails following day as one of rejoicing for deliverance from British bondage; but deplores partition. Pakistan is born Hindu-Muslim fraternization in Calcutta Hails Miracle of Calcutta Considers Calcutta peace nine-days wonder, decides on fast Is mobbed in Calcutta house ;gives up idea of Noakhali visit. Peace efforts intensified

August Aug

14 15 16

Sept

Breaks fast

Leaves Calcutta for Delhi; commences daily visits to riotraced areas.

24

Pakistan raiders invade Kashmir.

25

Kashmir accedes to Indian Union

26 Nov 1 3

Criticises Churchill's holocaust in India statement Indian troops enter Junagadh Junagadh accedes to India. Address A.I.C.C

11 Dec 25 30

Defends Junagadhs accession to India Pleads for amicable settlement between India and Pakistan India refers Kashmir dispute to U.N. Decides to fast for communal peace in Delhi; Mountbatten fails to dissuade Gandhiji. Enters danger zone. Hails Indian Cabinets decision to release Pakistan dues of Rs. 550 million. Fast continues for establishment of communal peace. Doctors warn fast must be ended. Central Peace Committee formed, decides on Peace Pledge Peace Committee signs, presents Peace Pledge to Gandhiji, who breaks fast.

1948

12

15

17

18

20

Bomb explodes at prayer meeting

27

Visits Mehrauli Muslim Fair

29

Angry refugees ask Gandhiji to retire to the Himalayas

30

Drafts constitution of a Congress transformed into Lok Sevak Sangh. Is assassinated on way to evening prayer.

Source: http://www.mkgandhi.org/momgandhi/chronology.ht m