A biography of Mohandas Gandhi, the Mahatma, who played a crucial role in the struggle for Indian independence from Great Britain in the 1930s and 40s.

A highly original, stirring book on Mahatma Gandhi that deepens our sense of his achievements and disappointments—his success in seizing India’s imagination and shaping its independence struggle as a mass movement, his recognition late in life that few of his followers paid more than lip service to his ambitious goals of social justice for the country’s minorities, outcasts, and rural poor. “A revelation. . . . Lelyveld has restored human depth to the Mahatma.”—Hari Kunzru, The New York Times Pulitzer Prize–winner Joseph Lelyveld shows in vivid, unmatched detail how Gandhi’s sense of mission, social values, and philosophy of nonviolent resistance were shaped on another subcontinent—during two decades in South Africa—and then tested by an India that quickly learned to revere him as a Mahatma, or “Great Soul,” while following him only a small part of the way to the social transformation he envisioned. The man himself emerges as one of history’s most remarkable self-creations, a prosperous lawyer who became an ascetic in a loincloth wholly dedicated to political and social action. Lelyveld leads us step-by-step through the heroic—and tragic—last months of this selfless leader’s long campaign when his nonviolent efforts culminated in the partition of India, the creation of Pakistan, and a bloodbath of ethnic cleansing that ended only with his own assassination. India and its politicians were ready to place Gandhi on a pedestal as “Father of the Nation” but were less inclined to embrace his teachings. Muslim support, crucial in his rise to leadership, soon waned, and the oppressed untouchables—for whom Gandhi spoke to Hindus as a whole—produced their own leaders. Here is a vital, brilliant reconsideration of Gandhi’s extraordinary struggles on two continents, of his fierce but, finally, unfulfilled hopes, and of his ever-evolving legacy, which more than six decades after his death still ensures his place as India’s social conscience—and not just India’s.

Traces India's struggle to gain independence, highlighting the life and leadership of Mohandas Gandhi whose tactics of nonviolent protest have become a goal of resistance movements worldwide.

"Freedom's Battle" is a compelling account of the life and activism of Mahatma Gandhi, a towering figure in the struggle for India's independence. This insightful biography delves into the challenges faced by Gandhi as he fought against British colonial rule and sought to empower the Indian people through nonviolent resistance. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book traces Gandhi's remarkable journey from his early years as a lawyer in South Africa, where he first developed his philosophy of satyagraha (truth force), to his leadership in India's freedom movement. It explores pivotal moments in his life, including the Salt March, the noncooperation movement, and his tireless efforts to bridge religious and social divides. "Freedom's Battle" sheds light on Gandhi's unwavering commitment to nonviolence as a powerful tool for social and political change. It delves into his deep-rooted belief in the inherent dignity of all human beings and his unwavering faith in the power of love and compassion to overcome injustice. The book also explores his profound influence on other freedom fighters and civil rights leaders across the globe. In addition to his political endeavors, the biography delves into Gandhi's personal struggles and his pursuit of self-discipline and spiritual enlightenment. It explores his experiments with truth, his simplicity in living, and his dedication to a life of service and sacrifice. Through its comprehensive portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi, "Freedom's Battle" presents a nuanced understanding of his strengths, weaknesses, and complex relationship with power. It reveals the challenges he faced within his own movement and the criticisms he received from various quarters, highlighting the complexity of his leadership and the enduring relevance of his principles. Whether one is a history enthusiast, a student of activism, or simply curious about the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, "Freedom's Battle" offers an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. It illuminates the indomitable spirit of a man who transformed the course of history through his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the pursuit of freedom.