Mahatma Gandhi in London

This remarkable black‑and‑white image shows Mahatma Gandhi standing outside the railings of Downing Street during his 1931 visit to Britain for the Second Round Table Conference. Draped in his simple homespun khadi cloth and shawl, Gandhi’s serene presence contrasts sharply with the formal Edwardian backdrop of the Prime Minister’s official residence. A British official—likely part of the India Office entourage—stands respectfully to one side, underscoring the historic meeting of imperial power and colonial reform.

Historical Context In autumn 1931, Gandhi travelled to London to negotiate India’s future with British leaders, advocating non‑violent self‑rule (Swaraj) for millions under the Raj. His appearance outside Downing Street symbolised both the growing strength of India’s independence movement and the uneasy dialogue between the British government and its most famous dissident. This visit helped cement Gandhi’s global reputation and paved the way for later constitutional reforms in India.

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