Preeminent leader of Indian nationalism and prophet of nonviolence in the 20th cent. Gandhi grew up in a home steeped in religion, and he took for granted ahimsa (noninjury to all living beings) and religious tolerance. He studied law in England, but, too diffident to make a successful lawyer, he ended up taking a job with an Indian firm in S. Africa. There he became an effective advocate for Indian rights. In 1906 he first put …showed first 75 words of 264 total…

…showed last 75 words of 264 total…rural India and promoting cottage industry. India achieved dominion status in 1947, but the fact that the country was partitioned into India and Pakistan was a great disappointment to Gandhi, who had long worked for Hindu-Muslim unity. In September 1947 he ended rioting in Calcutta by fasting. In January 1948 he was shot down by a young Hindu fanatic. Gandhi won the affection and loyalty of millions and became known to all as the Mahatma, or great soul.