In this he was assisted by European staff and associates like Polak and Kallenbach. But though his legal work was soon over, he remained there for 21 years, fighting for Indian rights and defending indentured labour in low courts against discrimination. In 1893, Gandhi went to South Africa to handle a case. A vegetarian by tradition he soon became one by conviction, joining and working actively for the London Vegetarian Society. For a while Gandhi was tempted to ape English dress and manners. Putlibai let Gandhi go abroad only after he vowed to lead a chaste and simple life. When their father was no more, it was Laxmidas who helped to educate him and sent him to England for legal studies. The other person he was much attached to was his eldest brother Laxmidas. But Gandhi began as a jealous and possessive husband he wanted to make his illiterate wife an ideal one. Marriage with Kasturba, at the age of thirteen, was almost play. He read little beyond text books, but respected his teacher, though, even at his biding, he would not copy from his neighbour's answers. The boy Gandhi aspired to do no less.Īt school, first the primary at Porbandar, and later the Albert High School, Rajkot, Gandhi showed no particular brilliance, played no games, avoided company. Another powerful influence of Gandhi's early life was seeing King Harishchandra, in the play, suffer for, but finally triumph in, his adherence to Truth. These qualities left a deep impression on young Gandhi. Putlibai was a traditional Indian woman, devoted to her home and family, deeply religious and austere. The little house were Gandhi was born is today the 'Kirti Mandir'. He was straight and true as steel, known for his steadfastness and loyalty. The latter had been Prime Minister successively in three Kathiawar States. Mohandas or Mohan was youngest of the three sons of Putlibai and Karamchand Gandhi.

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, at Porbandar.

Autobiography of gandhiji