Author
Mahatma Gandhi
1869-1948
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Mahatma Gandhi
A Guide to Health
"A Guide to Health" by Mahatma Gandhi is a health and wellness handbook written in the early 20th century. The book is largely inspired by the author's personal experiences and studies regarding health principles, focusing on a holistic understanding of physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of diet, exercise, and a pure mind. Gandhi's views challenge conventional medical practices of his time and promote self-discipline and natural living as paths to true wellness. The opening of this work introduces the translator's note, which clarifies that Gandhi, traditionally recognized for his political activism, also holds substantial authority on health-related issues. The introduction reveals Gandhi's firm belief that understanding and applying the laws of health can prevent illness more effectively than seeking cures. He criticizes the reliance on doctors and medicines, suggesting instead that many health problems stem from ignorance about our bodies and the environment. He encourages readers to cultivate knowledge about their health, highlighting fundamental elements such as air, water, food, and exercise. This foundation sets the stage for deeper discussions on practical health treatments and philosophies in the subsequent chapters.
Indian Home Rule
"Indian Home Rule" by Mahatma Gandhi is a book written in 1909. Presented as a dialogue between two characters, it expresses Gandhi's vision of Indian independence and self-rule. Gandhi argues that true freedom requires rejecting Western civilization itself, not simply replacing British rulers with Indian ones. He advocates for passive resistance and self-reliance as the path to independence. The British government banned the book in 1910, deeming it seditious.
Freedom's Battle Being a Comprehensive Collection of Writings and Speeches on the Present Situation
"Freedom's Battle" by Mahatma Gandhi is a collection of writings and speeches compiled during the early 20th century, specifically published in the early 1920s. The work centers around key issues affecting India during the British colonial period, including the Khilafat Movement, political rights, and the struggle for autonomy and justice. Gandhi discusses the implications of British policy on Muslim sentiment and advocates for unity between Hindus and Muslims in their shared quest for freedom. The opening of the text introduces the complex political and social landscape India faced post-World War I, highlighting the discontent among Indian Muslims regarding the treatment of the Ottoman Empire and their religious sentiments tied to the Khilafat. Gandhi reflects on the failures of the new British reforms, emphasizing the dangers of maintaining a foreign bureaucracy and the continued violation of the rights and beliefs of the Indian people. He sets the stage for a call to action through nonviolent resistance and cooperation, urging Indians to unite in the face of what he perceives as unjust governance, thus reflecting on broader themes of nationalism, social justice, and civic responsibility.
The Wheel of Fortune
"The Wheel of Fortune" by Mahatma Gandhi is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on Gandhi's advocacy for Indian self-sufficiency through the revival of traditional handicrafts, particularly hand-spinning and weaving, as a means to combat poverty and promote economic independence. It emphasizes simplicity and self-sacrifice as vital components of India's struggle for self-rule (Swaraj). The opening of the text introduces the reader to Gandhi's vision of a new era, where societal values shift towards simplicity and self-reliance, as a reaction to the failures of modern industrial civilization. Gandhi reflects on the necessity of adopting the spinning wheel as a critical tool for empowerment, economic resilience, and national solidarity. He argues that engaging in hand-spinning not only helps alleviate poverty but also connects individuals to their cultural roots. The text serves as a call to action for all Indians, inviting them to participate in the Swadeshi movement by embracing traditional methods of production to foster both personal and national regeneration.
Third class in Indian railways
"Third Class in Indian Railways" by M. K. Gandhi is a critical social commentary written in the early 20th century. This publication provides an account of Gandhi's experiences while traveling in third-class compartments of Indian trains, highlighting the appalling conditions faced by those who cannot afford first- or second-class tickets. The book serves as a platform for addressing systemic injustices, calling for reforms and greater awareness regarding the treatment of third-class passengers in the Indian railway system. In this work, Gandhi documents his firsthand observations of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and the general neglect experienced by third-class travelers. Through vivid descriptions, he recounts chaotic scenes of passengers packed into cramped spaces, coupled with a lack of basic amenities like cleanliness and comfortable seating. He criticizes the stark contrast in the treatment of first-class passengers compared to their third-class counterparts, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect for all travelers. Gandhi's appeal for reform extends beyond mere criticism, advocating for a collective consciousness about the rights of the marginalized and a call to action for public accountability within the transportation system.
La jeune Inde
"La jeune Inde" by Mahatma Gandhi is a collection of political writings written in the early 20th century. It gathers his articles and addresses on non-violent resistance, national self-rule, and moral reform under colonial rule, presenting Satyagraha as a disciplined, transformative force. The focus is on non-cooperation, Swadeshi, Hindu–Muslim unity, and the ethical foundations of political action. The opening of the work presents Romain Rolland’s introduction, which frames the writings as an audacious, methodical “experiment” in non-violence—an active “sword” of self‑sacrifice rather than passivity—carried out amid real danger, strict self-discipline, and total transparency. He highlights the aims and risks of mobilizing vast, emotional crowds, Gandhi’s readiness to err, correct, and bear responsibility, his outreach even to adversaries, and his insistence on moral rigor. The early pieces then show this program in action: a call for Satyagraha linked with Swadeshi and interfaith solidarity; a clear statement of principles distinguishing Satyagraha from passive resistance and recounting the first nationwide fast-and-strike, Gandhi’s arrest, the unrest that followed, and his critique of punitive state measures; an appeal to support Muslims over the Caliphate by principled non-cooperation rather than commercial boycotts; a measured response to a royal proclamation urging disciplined agitation, not complacency; a practical plan to achieve Swaraj through village spinning and khadi; guidance on Hindu–Muslim unity grounded in shared purpose and tolerance rather than social mixing; a plea for clemency after the Amritsar trials; and a concise definition of non-violence as active goodwill toward all beings.