Mahatma Gandhi was a leader in India's battle for independence from Britain. His fight for civil rights began in South Africa. During a train trip, Gandhi was asked to move to the back of the train because of his skin color. Since he refused, he was forced off the train. He decided then to fight racial discrimination. In 1915, he returned to India and was appalled by the British leadership's treatment of Indians. He wanted India to be free of British rule. For that reason, he called for a campaign of peaceful protests. Meanwhile, tensions were flaring between India's Hindus and Muslims. Although India was granted independence in 1945, the two religious groups couldn't reach consensus. India was therefore divided into two independent states: predominantly Muslim Pakistan and predominantly Hindu India.

Answer 1

Mahatma Gandhi was indeed a pivotal figure in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule, and his advocacy for civil rights began during his time in South Africa, where he faced racial discrimination firsthand. The incident on the train, where he was ejected for being of Indian descent, served as a catalyst for his lifelong commitment to nonviolent resistance against injustice.

Upon his return to India in 1915, Gandhi focused on mobilizing the masses against British oppression through campaigns of nonviolent resistance, including civil disobedience and peaceful protests. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and economic independence as part of his philosophy of "Satyagraha," which means holding firmly to truth.

As India moved closer to independence, communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims escalated, fueled by differing political aspirations and social contexts. These tensions ultimately contributed to the decision to partition India at the time of independence in 1947, leading to the establishment of two separate nations: India and Pakistan. This division was marked by widespread violence and mass migrations as communities were uprooted and displaced along religious lines.

Gandhi's vision for a united, independent India was overshadowed by the partition, and he worked tirelessly to promote peace and harmony between the two communities until his assassination in 1948. His legacy continues to influence movements for civil rights and social justice around the world today.