World HistoryWorld Leaders: Mohandas “Mahatma"GandhiBy Biography.com Editors and A+E Networks, adapted by Newsela stafText Level9Synopsis:Born on October 2, 1869, in India, Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhistudied law and advocated for the civil rights of Indians, both at homeunder British rule and in South Africa. Gandhi became a leader of India'sindependence movement, organizing boycotts against British institutions inpeaceful forms of civil disobedience. He was killed by a fanatic in 1948.Early LifeIndian nationalist leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born onOctober 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Kathiawar, India. He grew up followingHinduism and espousing non-violence, fasting, meditation andvegetarianism.At the age of 13, he wed in an arranged marriage. In the ensuing years, theteenager rebelled by smoking, eating meat and stealing change fromhousehold servants.Shortly after the birth of his first of four surviving sons, 18-year-old Gandhisailed for England to study law. He struggled with Western culture, andduring his three years in London he became committed to vegetarianismand learning more about world religions.Upon returning to India, Gandhi struggled to find work. He eventuallyobtained a one-year contract to perform legal services in South Africa.
