home / people / Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Life timeline 1869 – 1948:

This timeline is NOT complete. Any omissions are unintentional as this timeline is a work in progress that will be added to over time. Please click on the contribute icon on this page if you would like to add an event.

1840s -1880s

1869

2 October
Mohandas, the youngest child of Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai, born at Porbandar in western India.

1875

Gandhi attended a primary school at Porbandar for one year.

1876

Gandhi is betrothed to Kasturbai.
Joined the Branch School at Rajkot for two years. Read the play Sravana Pitrihhakti while in primary school: witnessed another play Harishchandra, also; thought, "why should not all be truthful like Harishchandra?"
21 January 1879
Gandhi joined the City Taluka School, Rajkot.
Studied Gujarati standards III and IV till October 2, 1880.
18 November 1880
Gandhi appeared in the entrance examination of the Kathiawar High School, Rajkot.
1 December 1880
Gandhi enrolled in the General Register of the Kathiawar High School, Rajkot; admitted to Anglovernacular Standard I.
During the visit of Mr. Giles, Educational Inspector, ignored teacher's prompting to copy from a neighbour's slate.
Passed seven years in this school which was later known as Alfred High School.

1883

Gandhi married Kasturbai at the age of 13.
Influenced by friends he started taking meat secretly, as it was forbidden in his family who were Vaishnavas. Soon after, he abjured meat out of his desire not to lie to his parents.

1885

Gandhi stole coppers from his servant's pocket money for smoking, but gave up the practice. Stole a little gold from his brother's armlet to clear a debt, but felt ashamed and confessed to his father who pardoned him. From that day, Gandhi noted, "truth-telling became a passion with me".

1886

In his sick-bed, 63-year-old Karamchand Gandhi had discussions with Parsi and Muslim friends about their faiths.
Mohandas, while nursing his father, listened to these discussions and developed toleration for all faiths.
Karamchand Gandhi's condition became grave and he began to sink fast. Late one night, shortly after Mohandas had left him, he passed away.

1887

Passes matric and enrolls at Samaldas College at Bhavnagar 
1 January 1888
Left High School. Joined Shamaldas College, Bhavnagar. Found studies difficult and, at the end of fist term, returned home. Family friends suggested law studies in England. Mother did not like the idea of separation. Becharji Swami, who became a Jain monk, came to his help and got him to take three solemn vows. Mohandas vowed not to touch wine, woman and meat. This done, his mother gave her permission.
Eldest son, Harilal, born. Mohandas started with his brother for Bombay, leaving his wife and child. Orthodox class disapproved his going abroad but he refused to listen.
4 September 1888
With help and permission of brother, Mohandas sailed from Bombay by S. S. Clyde.
27 October 1888
He Reached Southampton.
28 October 1888
He Reached London.
6 November 1888
Admitted to the Inner Temple.
Arranged to stay as a lodger in an Anglo-Indian family in Western Kensington.
9 November 1888
Wrote letter to brother: "...In spite of cold I have no need of meat or liquor which fills my heart with joy and thankfulness." Food given to him did not suit him but he put up with all this. Started reading newspapers and began to take keen interest in current events.
Found a vegetarian restaurant in Farringdon Street and had a hearty meal. Read Salt's hook on vegetarianism and was very much impressed.

1889

Kept account of every farthing spent. Decided to reduce cost of living by half. Lived by himself instead of with a family. Walked eight to ten miles a day to save fare. Read books on simple living and began cooking breakfast. Lived on 1s. 3d. a day.