Gandhi in Africa

Early Life of Gandhi

Birth: Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.
Education: He studied law in England.

Residence: Gandhi lived in South Africa for nearly 20 years.
Satyagraha: He began his experiments with Satyagraha (truth force) during this time.
Indian Opinion: Gandhi started the newspaper Indian Opinion to advocate for Indian rights.
Racism: He faced racism and mistreatment, witnessing the challenges Indian immigrants encountered, including loss of voting rights and poor living conditions.

Gandhi’s Movements in Africa

Moderate Phase Of Struggle (1894-1906)
- Written Appeals: Gandhi drafted numerous petitions to the South African and British governments, addressing the grievances of the Indian community.
- Establishment of NIC: In 1894, he helped establish the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) to represent Indian interests.
- Founding of Indian Opinion: Launched in 1903, this newspaper became a platform for the Indian community to express grievances and discuss issues.
- Philosophy Development: During this phase, Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and Satyagraha began to develop, recognising the need for active resistance against injustice.
Phase Of Passive Resistance Or Satyagraha (1906-1914)
- Satyagraha against Registration Certificates (1906): Gandhi led a campaign urging Indians to refuse compliance with new laws requiring registration certificates. He formed the Passive Resistance Association and encouraged public acts of civil disobedience, such as burning registration papers.
- Campaign against Migration Restrictions: Protests against laws restricting Indian migration involved Indians crossing provincial borders without permits, challenging unjust restrictions on movements.
- Campaign against Poll Tax: The imposition of a three-pound poll tax on ex-indentured Indians sparked demands for repeal, highlighting economic injustices faced by this community.
- Campaign against Invalidation of Indian Marriages: A Supreme Court ruling that invalidated marriages not performed according to Christian rites mobilised women against this discriminatory decision, emphasising the need to uphold women’s rights and honour.