Hindus should not harbour anger against Muslims even if the latter want to destroy and kill us all. We should face death bravely. If Muslims established their rule after killing all Hindus, we would be ushering in a new India. - Mahatma Gandhi
— Anand Ranganathan (@ARanganathan72) October 1, 2025
Wishing you a happy Gandhi Jayanti. pic.twitter.com/2RvsCUxqF6
This blog post explores the controversial aspects of Mahatma Gandhi's life, including his treatment of women, racist views, and questionable decisions during critical historical events. It challenges the glorified image of Gandhi and presents a more nuanced understanding of his legacy.
Mahatma Gandhi is often celebrated as a symbol of peace and non-violence, but a closer examination of his life reveals a more complex and controversial figure. This blog post delves into some lesser-known facts about Gandhi that challenge the glorified image many hold of him.
The Transformation of a Hymn
The well-known hymn "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram" was originally composed by Pandit Lakshana G. However, it was altered by Gandhi to include references to Allah, showcasing his desire to promote unity among different religions. This change reflects Gandhi's broader vision for India, but it also raises questions about his approach to cultural and religious identities.
Disturbing Incidents During the Noakhali Riots
During the Noakhali riots, a troubling incident involving Gandhi's grandniece, Manu, came to light. At just 16 years old, Manu was forced to retrieve a pumice stone that Gandhi had misplaced. After a grueling 30-mile journey, she returned only to be met with a shocking response from Gandhi, who expressed that he would have been pleased had she been harmed during her ordeal. This incident, recounted by Gandhi's grandson Rajmohan Gandhi, highlights a troubling aspect of his character.
Coercion and Celibacy Experiments
Gandhi's experiments with celibacy involved coercing young women to sleep beside him, ostensibly to test his own self-control. Many women left his ashram in disgust, and even prominent leaders like Sardar Patel criticized these actions as misguided. This raises serious ethical questions about Gandhi's treatment of women and his understanding of consent.
Medical Decisions and Personal Beliefs
Gandhi's medical decisions also reflect a troubling disregard for conventional medicine. When his wife, Kasturba, was suffering from pneumonia, he refused her penicillin, believing that prayer would suffice. Tragically, she died shortly thereafter. In stark contrast, Gandhi accepted quinine for his own malaria treatment, revealing a double standard in his beliefs about health and healing.
Racist Ideologies
Gandhi's views on race are another aspect of his legacy that cannot be overlooked. He expressed racist sentiments, stating that white people should dominate and describing black individuals in derogatory terms. His writings reveal a deep-seated prejudice that contradicts the values of equality and justice he is often associated with.
Justifying Tragedy
In a shocking statement, Gandhi attributed the devastating 1934 Bihar earthquake, which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, to divine punishment. This perspective not only reflects a troubling worldview but also shows a lack of empathy for the victims, including innocent children.
Pacifism in the Face of Evil
Gandhi's pacifist approach during critical historical moments raises further questions about his judgment. On the eve of World War II, he urged the British to resist Nazism without arms, suggesting that they should allow themselves to be slaughtered rather than fight back. His advice to the Jewish community during the Holocaust was equally alarming; he suggested they should disarm Hitler through prayer and self-sacrifice, a stance that many find morally indefensible.
Caste and Class Issues
Gandhi's views on caste also reveal a troubling aspect of his ideology. He advocated for the lower classes to remain in their traditional occupations, which many, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, criticized as a form of casteism. This perspective undermines the fight for equality and social justice that Gandhi is often credited with championing.
A Call for Sacrifice
In the context of the violence surrounding the partition of India, Gandhi's call for Hindus to face death rather than retaliate against Muslims raises serious ethical concerns. He urged Hindus to suppress their anger and accept their fate, a stance that many view as dangerously naive and morally questionable.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi is undeniably complex. While he is celebrated for his contributions to India's independence and his philosophy of non-violence, it is crucial to acknowledge the darker aspects of his life and beliefs. From his treatment of women to his racist ideologies and questionable moral decisions, Gandhi's actions invite scrutiny and debate. As we reflect on his legacy, it is essential to engage with these complexities rather than accept a simplified narrative.
As we approach Gandhi Jayanti, it is worth considering whether we can celebrate a figure whose actions and beliefs are so deeply contested. The choice is ultimately up to each individual, but understanding the full scope of Gandhi's life is essential for a nuanced appreciation of his impact on history.
The Original Lyrics of Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram before its secularisation by Gandhi.
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