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1869-1888

Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life ~ England 1888-1891 written by Mohandas K. Gandhi

India 1891-1892

1888, October 28

Reached London.

1888, November 6

Joined Inner Temple.

1889

To make up for the social disadvantages of his vegetarianism, decided to become an "English gentleman" and started learning elocution, French, dancing and Western music, but soon reconsidered his decision and stopped the lessons.

1889, September

Called on Cardinal Manning, towards the end of month, to congratulate him on his role in the termination of the great London Dock Strike. Visited Paris Exhibition (sometime between May and October).

1889, November

Was introduced to Madame Blavatsky and Annie Besant; but declined to become a regular member of the Theosophical Society.

1889, December

Appeared for London matriculation but failed. During the year Theosophist influence led him to read much Theosophical and other religious literature including Edwin Arnold's The Song Celestial, and The Light of Asia, the Bhagavad Gita in the original and the Bible. Attended church service, and listened to famous preachers like Dr. Joseph Parker.

1890

Early this year, came to know the periodicals The Vegetarian Messenger of Manchester and The Vegetarian of London, and the Vegetarian Societies there. Attended International Vegetarian meeting with Josiah Oldfield. Started living simply; continued experiments in food; conducted for a while Vegetarian Club with Josiah Oldfield as president, Edwin Arnold as vice-president and himself as secretary.

1890, June

Passed matric.

1890, September 19

Joined Vegetarian Society and became member of executive committee.

1891, January 30

Attended funeral of Charles Bradlaugh, not impressed by his atheism, aversion to it being strengthened on reaching Besant's How I Became a Theosophist.

1891, February 20

Made maiden speech, at Vegetarian Society meeting, in defense of Dr. Allinson's claim to membership of Society despite his anti-puritanical views on birth control, which Gandhi did not share.

1891, February 21

In article in The Vegetarian described alcohol as "that enemy of mankind, that curse of civilization".

1891, March 26

Was enrolled as associate member of London Theosophical Society.

1891, May 1

Appointed Vegetarian Society's delegate to the meeting of the Federal Union of Vegetarian Societies.

1891, June 10

Called to the Bar.

1891, June

During legal studies, attended lectures by Dadabhai Naoroji. Advice from Frederic Pincutt emphasizing honesty and industry filled him with hope for future as lawyer.

1891, June 11

Enrolled in the High Court.

1891, June 12

Sailed for India.