Mahatma Gandhi Biography

If one searches for a person in India on whom the most number of biographies is written, it could probably be Mahatma Gandhi. Apart from the renowned authors who have written authoritative and genuine biographies and biographical articles and other writings on Mahatma Gandhi, there is a substantial amount of biographies and biographical pieces written by freedom fighters, political leaders, social activists, academic heads, national and international figures, researchers, and students. Though the basic biographical information provided in each of these cannot be different, the specific aspect and point of view of each biography varies considerably. Each author has something to say about Gandhi as a person, national leader, lawyer, family man, loving grandfather, visionary, philosopher, peace maker, and negotiator; there are Gandhi family biographies, about the life of Gandhi in South Africa, his struggle for Indian independence, etc. The audience for the various types of biographies also is different. Some biographies are for children; some serve as a text book for studies, some as reference guides for academic and research purposes, and some others are for general reading.

The way the information presented in Mahatma Gandhi biographies shows the most variety. Children’s publications are mainly picture stories mostly discussing only one or two incidents in his life; there are abridged versions of his life story also which narrate with illustrations the birth, early life, and education of Mahatma Gandhi, his emergence as a national leader, and struggles for freedom. There are comprehensive biographies that cover all the aspects of the Mahatma’s life; there are biographical articles that discuss a particular stage of his life or a specific event; some concentrate only on the speeches and letters of Mahatma Gandhi. The biographical books, articles and features written by his close associates and acquaintances shed light on the hitherto unknown facets and facts of Mahatma Gandhi.

Other than the traditional print medium, biographies on Mahatma Gandhi also come in the form of videos and photos that narrate visually the different stages and incidents in his life. Real life Gandhi videos are very rare and archived for reference purpose; there are documentaries and short films on Gandhiji’s life as well. Several films have been made on this great national leader among which the most famous is Richard Attenborough’s 1982 film Gandhi starring Ben Kingsley. Many Indian language films based on the theme of Indian Independence struggle also portray the biographical story of the Father of the Nation.