Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life/India 1917

Documents libres.

India 1916

Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life ~ India 1917 written by Mohandas K. Gandhi

India 1918

1917, January 2

Gandhi returned to Ahmedabad from Lucknow after Congress session.

1917, January Before 14

Explained, in statement, how Lionel Curtis’s letter to Secretary of "Round Table" was discovered.

1917, January 17

In letter to Narandas Gandhi, conveyed his resolution to set up a national school.

1917, January After 18

Drew up prospectus of the school.

1917, February 4

Presided over anti-indenture meeting at Ahmedabad. C.F. Andrews and H.S.L. Polak also spoke.

1917, February 7

While opening session of Imperial legislative Council, Viceroy explained his refusal to allow Pandit Malaviya’s notice to move Bill to abolish indentured emigration entirely.

1917, February After 7

In statement, Gandhi thanked Viceroy for his assurance on indentured labor.

1917, February 9

At Bombay public meeting held at Excelsior Theater under president ship of Sir Jamsetji jeejibhoy, spoke in support of resolution demanding immediate abolition of indenture system.

1917, February 11

Spoke at anti-indenture meeting held under auspices of Home rule League, Bombay.

1917, February 19

Arrived in Godhra and presided over public meeting on anniversary of Gokhale’s death.

1917, February 26

At Surat meeting, urged stoppage of recruitment of indentured labor.

1917, March 2

Spoke at Home Rule League headquarters, Karachi, on passive resistance and austerity.

1917, March 2

Visited Hardevi Bai Girls’ School and met Cutchhi and Gujarati communities at Parsi Theater.

1917, March 2

At public meeting, told people to join Defense Forces in "overwhelming numbers". Sir S.P. Sinha presided.

1917, March 2

At public meeting in Karachi, Gandhi insisted on abolition of indenture system by May 31, 1917.

1917, March 6

Reached Calcutta at Maharaja of Cassimbazar’s invitation.

1917, March 6

Declared at public meeting in Town hall that India could not tolerate indentured emigration "a minute longer than the 21st May".

1917, March 12

Governor-general -in-Council’s decision prohibiting labor emigration from India under Defense of India Act gazetted.

1917, April 8

Gandhi attended A.I.C.C. meeting at Calcutta which decided to send eight-member deputation to England for Congress work.

1917, April 10

With Rajkumar Shukla reached Patna on way to Champaran. Stayed with Maszhar-ul-Haw.

1917, April 10

Welcomed by J.B. Kripalani and others on arrival at Muzaffarpur, and spent night at students’ hostel.

1917, April 11

Met and explained mission to James Wilson, Secretary, Bihar Planters’ Association.

1917, April 11

In evening, met vakils of Muzaffarpur.

1917, April 11

In a rejoinder to Ramsay MacDonald regarding report of Public Services Commission, stated, Gokhale would have drawn up "a minority report in conjunction with Mr. Abdul Rahim."

1917, April 12

Wrote letter seeking interview with L.F. Morshead, Commissioner of tirhut Division and cooperation of local administration in his mission.

1917, April 13

Met L.F. Morshead at Muzaffarpur. Later, sent him letter restating scope of mission and enclosing statement of local leaders.

1917, April 15

In letter to Maganlal Gandhi, described situation in Champaran to be "worse than in Fiji and Natal."

1917, April 15

Arrived in Motihari.

1917, April 16

Left to Jassauli in Champaran; served with notice to leave district by first available train. Returned to Motihari. Conveyed decision to disobey the order in letter to W.B. Heycock, District Magistrate. Conveyed decision to P.S. to Viceroy to return Ka

1917, April 18

Appeared in District Magistrate’s Court, Motihari, and read out statement explaining disobedience of order. Case postponed till April 21.

1917, April 19

Executive Committee of Bihar Provincial Association resolved to send protest to Viceroy and Lt.-Governor regarding order against Gandhi.

1917, April 20

Gandhi issued orders for withdrawal of proceedings against Gandhi and sent instructions to local officials to give him facilities during investigation.

1917, April 21

Gandhi wired thanks to Lt.-Governor, Bihar and Orissa, for withdrawal of proceedings, issued press statement. Met Heycock.

1917, April 22

Left Motihari for Bettiah.

1917, April 23

Had interview with Sub-divisional Officer, Bettiah.

1917, April 27

J.T. Whitty, Manager, Bettiah Raj, wrote to Morshead, protesting against inquiry by Gandhi and suggested appointment of commission by Government.

1917, April 28

Herbert Cox, Honorary Secretary, Bihar Planters’ Association, wrote to Morshead protesting against inquiry by Gandhi.

1917, April 28

In letter to S.D.O., Bettiah, Gandhi denied charge of interference with the former’s authority.

1917, April 28

Imperial War Conference held in London. Sir S.P. Sinha, Maharaja of Bikaner and Sir James Meston represented India. Secretary of State announced decision regarding India’s representation at future Imperial Conference.

1917, May 1

Morshead wrote to Chief Secretary, Bihar and Orissa, recommending appointment of inquiry commission.

1917, May 1

Gandhi went to Motihari.

1917, May 1

Olaha outwork of turkaulia concern in Champaran destroyed by fire.

1917, May 2

Gandhi contradicted newspaper report that withdrawal of case against Gandhi was ordered by Government of India.

1917, May 5

Directors of Bihar Planters’ Association passed resolution recording emphatic protest against manner of Gandhi’s enquiry.

1917, May 9

Gandhi was warmly welcomed by people on arrival in Patna from Champaran.

1917, May 9

W. Maude, Member of Executive Council, met Morshead, Heycock, Lewis and Whitty.

1917, May 10

Gandhi met Maude at Patna and agreed to submit preliminary report of his enquiry.

1917, May 13

Wrote report on conditions of Champaran riots.

1917, May 14

Sent copies of report to Maude, McPherson, Morshead and Heycock.

1917, May 17

India Home Rule League held first annual Conference at Nasik under president ship of Joseph Baptista.

1917, May 17

Gandhi’s contradiction of A.P.I. report on his mission and Olaha fire and correspondence with Heycock published.

1917, May 18

Kutcherry building of Dhokraha outwork of Loheria factory was burnt down.

1917, May 19

Gandhi wrote to Manager of Loheria concern regarding oppression of raiyats.

1917, May 20

In letter to Home Member, Government of India, Lt.-Governor detailed action to be taken against Gandhi.

1917, May 20

Bihar Planters’ Association wrote to Morshead tracing acts of incendiaries to Gandhi’s mission.

1917, May 20

Gandhi wrote to Heycock regarding Belwa and Dhokraha concerns and complained of intimidation by planters.

1917, May 21

McPherson sought Government of India’s approval to remove Gandhi and his associates from Champaran under Defense of India Rules.

1917, May 21

Whitty wrote to Maude that Gandhi had "become the center of agitation against the European."

1917, May 22

Gandhi sent to Heycock another statement about Dhokraha fire.

1917, May 22

In letter to Morshead, Heycock attributed Dhokraha fire to Gandhi’s visit and described his inquiry as "dangerous to the peace of the district."

1917, May 24

Viceroyheld consultations with his Council. Later, Home Department of Government of India wired to McPherson suggesting appointment of a "strong Committee".

1917, May 26

In letter to Esther Faering, Gandhi described condition of Champaran raiyats as "no better than that of slaves".

1917, May 27

Lt.-Governor-in-Council invited Gandhi for interview at ranchi on June 4.

1917, May 28

In communication to Government of India, McPherson proposed Gandhi’s name as raiyats’ representative on the proposed Committee.

1917, May 29

In Press statement, Gandhi said any enquiry covering definite issues would meet existing situation if known wrongs were immediately redressed.

1917, May 30

In letter to Mcpherson, Gandhi agreed to meet Lt.-Governor and complained against planters’ obstruction in his enquiry.

1917, May 30

Interdepartmental Conference held in London to discuss a new assisted system of emigration to British Guiana, Trinidad, Jamaica and Fiji.

1917, June 1

Planters sent representation to Government.

1917, June 2

Home Department, Government of India, wrote to Bihar Government that enquiry committee be appointed and investigation started within a month.

1917, June 2

Gandhiji reached Patna. Met Pandit Malaviya, Rajendra Prasad and others and left for Ranchi.

1917, June 4

Gandhiji met Lt.-Governor at Ranchi.

1917, June 4

In letter to Maharaja of Darbhangra (Member, Executive Council), communicated his terms for enquiry.

1917, June 5

Held discussions with Lt.-Governor and saw members of Executive Council.

1917, June 5

Left for Patna.

1917, June 7

Arrived in Patna. Conveyed acceptance of nomination to Enquiry Committee after consulting Pandit Malaviya.

1917, June 8

Secretary, European Association, urged removal of Gandhiji from Champaran.

1917, June 8

Gandhiji returned to Bettiah.

1917, June 10

Government resolution announced terms and composition of Champaran Agrarian Enquiry Committee.

1917, June 10

Gandhiji wrote to McPherson that taking of statements at Bettiah had been stopped.

1917, June 12

Went to Motihari. Taking of statements stopped.

1917, June 14

Honorary Secretary, Bihar Planters' Association, wrote to McPherson protesting against Gandhiji's inclusion in the Committee.

1917, June 16

Madras Government issued internment order on Mrs. Besant, G. S. Arundale and B. P. Wadia.

1917, June 17

Gandhiji left Bettiah for Ahmedabad.

1917, June 28

Returned to Motihari from Ahmedabad with Dr. Deva, Secretary, Servants of India Society.

1917, June 29

In letter to Heycock, proposed sending of volunteers and Dr. Deva for assistance to villagers.

1917, June 30

Death of Dadabhai Naoroji.

1917, June 30

In letter to The Pioneer, Gandhiji refuted criticism of his dress.

1917, June 30

Wrote to J. B. Petit about internment of Mrs. Besant and others, urging vigorous propaganda in villages despite prohibition.

1917, July 30

Bihar Government issued notice regarding commencement of enquiry by middle of July.

1917, July On or after 3

Gandhiji in private circular letter from Motihari detailed expenses and activities of Satyagraha Ashram and appealed for help.

1917, July 7

Writing to P. S. to Viceroy from Patna, Gandhiji called internment of Mrs. Besant "a big blunder".

1917, July 9

Raja Kirtyanand Singh appointed member of Champaran Committee in place of Raja Harihar Prasad Narayan Singh who resigned due to ill-health.

1917, July 11

Champaran Committee held preliminary meeting to decide procedure and extent of enquiry.

1917, July 12

In House of Commons, E. S. Montagu, ex-Under Secretary of State for India, in speech on Mesopotamian Commission Report, described Government of India as "too wooden, too iron, too inelastic, too anti-diluvian to be of any use for modern purposes. . . .

1917, July 17

E. S. Montague appointed Secretary of State for India. Public sittings of Champaran Committee commenced at Bettiah.

1917, July 19

Champaran Committee met at Bettiah.

1917, July 25

Gandhiji wrote to Secretary, Passengers' Grievances Committee, Rangoon, regarding lack of attention to deck passengers of British India Steam Navigation Company. Bhiar Planters' Association submitted written statement to Champaran Committee.

1917, July 26

Champaran Committee met at Motihari and examined W. S. Irwin, Manager of Motihari Ltd.

1917, July 28

Congress Committee and Muslim League Reform Council held joint conference at Bombay.

1917, July 29

Gandhiji recorded confidential note on sharahbeshi for circulation among Champaran Committee mebers.

1917, August 29

In a manifesto, prominent Indian leaders, including Congressmen, opposed passive resistance in view of Montagu's proposed visit.

1917, August 8

Champaran Committee men at Bettiah. Gandhiji's suggestion regarding abwab agreed to.

1917, August 10

Meeting of Champaran Committee agreed on abolition of tinkathia.

1917, August 11

Gandhiji discussed sharahbeshi and made proposals at Champaran Committee meeting.

1917, August 12

Champaran Committee held discussions with planters.

1917, August 13

Gandhiji wrote to Chairman, Champaran Committee, and sharahbeshi and tinkathia and offered terms of compromise with planters.

1917, August 14

Champaran Committee discussed Gandhiji's suggestions and adjourned.

1917, August 15

Gandhiji complained to Manager, Pipra Indigo Concern, against molestation of raiyats.

1917, August 16

Reached Patna on way to Ahmedabad, leaving behind volunteer camps at Bettiah and motihari to continue welfare work.

1917, August 20

In House of Commons, E. S. Montague declared British Government's policy of "increasing association of Indians in every branch of the administration".

1917, August 24

Gandhiji addressed meeting of business men held in Ahmedabad to demand release of Mrs. Besnt and coworkers.

1917, August 31

Told Mahadev Desai, "I have got in you the man I wanted" and asked him to join him.

1917, September 31

In article entitled "Indian Colonial Emigration" in Indian Review, discussed implications of report of Interdepartmental Conference held in London.

1917, September 1

Government of India issued resolution embodying report of Interdepartmental Conference held in London regarding emigration to Colonies.

1917, September 1

Letter to Shankarlal Banker on satyagraha.

1917, September 2

Gadhiji took part in Bombay Provincial Congress Committee meeting held to consider passive resistance campaign against coercive measures of Government.

1917, September 4

Returned to Ahmedabad for Madras.

1917, September 11

Left Ahmedabad for Madras.

1917, September Before 13

Drafted petition on behalf of Gujarat Sabha for presentation to Montague.

1917, September 17

Mrs. Besant, Wadia and Arundale released, Gandhiji arrived in Poona.

1917, September 17

Contributed to Provincial Cooperative Conference paper on "Moral Basis of Cooperation".

1917, September 18

Left Poona for Ranchi.

1917, September 21

In Imperial Legislative Council, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya moved resolution urging holding of I.C.S. examination in India and England simultaneously.

1917, September 22

Gandhiji reached Ranchi.

1917, September 23

In interview with Lt.-Governor at Ranchi, discussed sharahbeshi and work of volunteers in Champaran.

1917, September 24 - 28

Champaran Committee met in second and last session at Ranchi, Gandhiji participating.

1917, September 25

Gandhiji wrote letter to Press on third class traveling on railways.

1917, September 27

Wrote foreword to G. A. Natesan's booklet, What India Wants Autonomy within the Empire.

1917, September 29

Gandhiji signed agreement with leading planters at Ranchi regarding reduction of sharahbeshi.

1917, October 2

Mrs. Besant unveiled portrait of Gandhiji in Gokhale Hall, Madras, on his birthday.

1917, October 3

Gandhiji along with other members of Champaran Committee signed the report.

1917, October 4

Wrote to Lt.-Governor regarding publication in the regional language of Government's resolution on Committee's report.

1917, October 5

Reached Patna from Ranchi and left for Allahabad at attend Congress Committee meeting.

1917, October 6

A.I.C.C. and Council of Muslim League met in joint session at Allahabad and decided to send all-India deputation to Viceroy and Secretary of State in support of Congress-League scheme.

1917, October 6

Champaran Committee's report was accepted by Lt.-Governor-in-Council.

1917, October About 9

Gandhi laid foundation stone for goshala in Bettiah.

1917, October 15

Presided over Bihar Students’ Conference at Bhagalpur.

1917, October 18

Government of Bihar and Orissa passed resolution on Champaran Agrarian Enquiry Committee Report which acknowledged "with much pleasure the good sense and moderation shown by Mr.Gandhi, who represented the cause of the tenants on the Committee".

1917, October 19

Gandhi, spoke at reception by merchants at Broach.

1917, October 20

Presided over Second Gujarat Educational Conference.

1917, October 21

In concluding address at Conference expressed desire to lay down life in country’s service.

1917, October 21

Proposed vote of thanks at Humanitarian League.

1917, October 26

All-India deputation, including Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Tilak, Jinnah and Sapru, waited on Chelmsford and Montagu.

1917, November 2

Gandhi presided over meeting at Godhra to protest against hardships of third-class railway passengers.

1917, November 3

Presided over First Gujarat Political Conference at Godhra.

1917, November 4

Announced at Political Conference intimation of Government’s decision to remove customs levy at Viramgam.

1917, November 5

In concluding speech at Conference, exhorted participants to continue propaganda work and obtain signatures on petition to Montagu.

1917, November 5

Presided over Dhed community meeting.

1917, November 8

Arrived at Motihari at night.

1917, November 9

Had interview in the morning with J.L. Merriman, District Magistrate.

1917, November 11

Addressed public meeting at Dharamshala in Muzaffarpur; appealed for support to Congress-League recommendations.

1917, November 11

In the evening attended Conference of Hindu and Mahomedan leaders; left for Motihari, at 9 p.m.

1917, November 12

Declared open Gokhale Library at Umreth.

1917, November 12

J.M. Wilson, Secretary of Bihar Planter’s Association , published in The Statesman opinion of planters’ legal adviser.

1917, November 14

Gandhi opened school in Bharharwa near Doka, in Champaran; returned to Bettiah.

1917, November 15

Had interview with J.T. Whitty, Manager of Bettiah Raj.

1917, November 16

Visited Koeri; went to Amolwa Station, inquired into case of police excesses on laborers.

1917, November 20

Opened school at Bhitiharwa, near Shrirampur, about two miles from Amolwa.

1917, November 22

Informed J.L. Merriman of his impending absence from Champaran for over a fortnight and Babu Brijkishore Prasad representing him.

1917, November 26

Had interview with Chelmsford and Montagu at Delhi.

1917, November 27

Had interview with Tilak, Montagu.

1917, November 28

Went to Aligarh; spoke on Hindu-Muslim unity at the Lyall Library Grounds; later, addressed Aligarh College students on "Truth and Thrift".

1917, November 28

Called on Khwaja Abdul Majid. Left at night for Calcutta by train.

1917, November 29

Champaran Bill introduced in Council, referred to Select Committee.

1917, December 4 and 5

Gandhi had discussion with Ahmedabad mill-owners about workers’ wages.

1917, December 6

Spoke (the text of this speech is not available) on "Some Problems of Gujarat" at Dasa Khadayata Wadi in Nadiad.

1917, December 6

Presided over Committee meetings of First Gujarat Political Conference and Gujarat Stree Kelavani Mandal.

1917, December 10

Appointment of Rowlatt Committee announced. Gandhi in letter to Albert West preferred stopping Indian Opinion to its removal from Phoenix to the city - Durban.

1917, December 16

Addressed large public meeting; visited Hindu Orphanage before leaving Nadiad.

1917, December 19

Communicated views on Champaran Agrarian Bill to Revenue Secretary, Bihar and Orissa Government.

1917, December 26

Attended 32nd Indian National Congress at Calcutta.

1917, December 27

Announced adjournment of All-India Social Service Conference in Calcutta.

1917, December 29

Moved resolution at Congress session concerning disabilities of Indians in South Africa.

1917, December 30

Proposed, at Indian Social Conference, resolution regarding education and uplift of depressed classes.

1917, December 30

Spoke at First Bengal Agriculturists’ Conference; also at All-India National Language Conference.

1917, December 31

Addressed session of All-India Muslim League in Calcutta; also meeting held under auspices of Bengal and Bombay Humanitarian League at University Institute.

1917, December 31

Delivered presidential address at All-India Social Service Conference.