What were the major events in Mahatma Gandhi's early life?

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What were the major events in Mahatma Gandhi's early life?

Mahatma Gandhi, born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, had a remarkable early life that shaped his future as a prominent leader and advocate for India's independence. Here are the major events in Gandhi's early life:

1. Childhood and Education:
Gandhi was born into a devout Hindu family. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as the Diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar, while his mother, Putlibai, was a deeply religious woman. Gandhi was the youngest of four children and was greatly influenced by his mother's teachings of compassion, truthfulness, and non-violence.

2. Marriage and Family Life:
At the age of 13, Gandhi was married to Kasturba Makhanji, who was also a child bride of the same age. They had four sons together. This early marriage was a common practice in India at the time.

3. Education in London:
In 1888, at the age of 18, Gandhi left for London to study law. He enrolled at the Inner Temple, one of the four Inns of Court, to become a barrister. During his time in London, Gandhi was exposed to Western culture, literature, and political ideologies, which would later influence his thinking and approach to social and political issues.

4. Experiences in South Africa:
After completing his studies, Gandhi moved to South Africa in 1893 to work as a lawyer. It was in South Africa that he faced racial discrimination and experienced firsthand the injustices faced by the Indian community. These experiences ignited his passion for social justice and became a turning point in his life.

5. Formation of Natal Indian Congress:
In 1894, Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress, an organization aimed at addressing the grievances of the Indian community in South Africa. Through this organization, he fought against discriminatory laws and advocated for the rights of Indians.

6. Development of Satyagraha:
During his time in South Africa, Gandhi developed the concept of Satyagraha, which means "truth-force" or "soul-force." It became the cornerstone of his philosophy and non-violent resistance movement. Satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and non-violence as a means to achieve social and political change.

7. Return to India:
In 1915, after spending over two decades in South Africa, Gandhi returned to India. He was already recognized as a prominent leader and his return marked the beginning of his active involvement in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

These major events in Mahatma Gandhi's early life laid the foundation for his later activism and leadership. His experiences in South Africa, exposure to different cultures, and the development of his philosophy of non-violence shaped his approach to social and political issues, making him one of the most influential figures in India's history.