Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 25

Mohandas Gandhi, later called Mahatma, was born in Gujarat, India in 1869. When he was 19, he went to England to study at University College, London (UCL). What did Gandhi study in England?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider Gandhi's later role as a legal professional and political leader.

Correct Answer: A) Law

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, IAS

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Mohandas Gandhi, later known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in 1869, Gandhi's educational journey took him to England at the age of 19. He enrolled at University College London (UCL) in 1888 to study law. This decision was influenced by his family's desire for him to become a barrister, a profession that would provide him with a stable and respected career.

During his time at UCL, Gandhi studied the principles of law, including civil and criminal law, as well as legal procedures and ethics. His legal education was not just about the technical aspects of law but also about understanding the justice system and the role of a lawyer in society. This education was crucial in shaping Gandhi's later approach to non-violent resistance and his role as a legal professional.

After completing his studies in 1891, Gandhi returned to India and practiced law for a few years. However, his experiences and the influence of his legal training played a significant role in his later political and social activism. Gandhi's legal background helped him understand the intricacies of the British legal system and the injustices faced by Indians under colonial rule. This understanding was instrumental in his development of the philosophy of Satyagraha, which emphasized truth and non-violent resistance.

It is important to note that while Gandhi's later life was deeply involved in politics and social reform, his formal education was in law. This distinction is crucial in understanding the foundation of his later work and the influence of his legal training on his approach to social and political issues.

Therefore, the correct answer is that Gandhi studied law in England. This education was a significant part of his journey and played a crucial role in shaping his later contributions to India's independence movement.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. Gandhi studied law at University College London (UCL) from 1888 to 1891. His legal training was instrumental in his later work as a lawyer and his approach to non-violent resistance.
  • Option B: Incorrect. While Gandhi was deeply involved in politics later in his life, he did not study politics at UCL. His formal education was in law.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Gandhi did not study philosophy at UCL. His later spiritual and philosophical influence came from his experiences and personal development, not from formal education in philosophy.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Social studies was not a field of study at UCL during Gandhi's time. He studied law, which was a more structured and formal discipline.

Mnemonic: Gandhi's legal training: "Gandhi's Great Law"

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 25 – Practice all questions