Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life/India 1918

Documents libres.

India 1917

Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life ~ India 1918 written by Mohandas K. Gandhi

India 1919

1918, January 1

Presided over Ahmedabad meeting to protest against defective water supply.

1918, January 1

Gujarat Sabha wrote to Bombay Government for exemption or relief from land revenue payments.

1918, January 4 and 5

Gandhi held talks with representatives of Ahmedabad mill-owners and mill-workers.

1918, January 5

Champaran members of Bihar Planters’ Association submitted memorandum against certain provisions of Champaran Agrarian Bill.

1918, January 10

Gujarat Sabha under Gandhi’s advice asked Kheda farmers to refrain from paying land revenue.

1918, January 12

Gandhi returned to Motihari from Ahmedabad.

1918, January Before 13

Offered jobs to teachers who, having relinquished their work, sought alternative employment.

1918, January 14

Discussed Champaran Agrarian Bill with L.F. Morshead, Commissioner of Tirhut Division.

1918, January 14

Kheda Collector in statement criticized Gujarat Sabha’s advice to peasants to withhold land revenue, threatened action against defaulters.

1918, January 16

Government of Bombay issued statement that Collector of Kheda had granted revenue relief in fit cases.

1918, January 21

Gandhi wrote to Tagore for his views on adopting Hindi as the lingua franca.

1918, January 24

Represented to Revenue Secretary of Bihar and Orissa that material alterations in Champaran Agrarian Bill be made only in consultation with raiyats’ representative.

1918, February 4

Arrived at Bombay, addressed public meeting on Kheda situation.

1918, February 5

Along with Dinshaw Wacha and G.K. Parikh called on Governor Bombay in connection with Kheda situation; later left for Sabarmati.

1918, February 6

Reached Ashram, took note of notices issued by Collectors and Mamlatdars.

1918, February 7

Wrote to Pratt, Commissioner, Northern Division, protesting against harsh language of Government notices.

1918, February 8

Advised Ahmedabad mill-hands to be reasonable in their demands and seek settlement without creating bitterness.

1918, February 12

Discussed Kheda situation with Collector and Commissioner.

1918, February 14

Along with Shankarlal Banker and Vallabhbhai Patel, represented workers on Arbitration Board to decide wage increase in lieu of Plague Bonus.

1918, February 15

Arrived at Sabarmati Ashram; wrote to Pratt to postpone land revenue recovery till his inquiry into Kheda situation was over.

1918, February Before 19

Contributed foreword to a translation of Gokhale’s speeches.

1918, February 19

Explained to mill-hands his responsibility in regard to their trouble.

1918, February 19

The Servant of India commenced publication on third death anniversary of Gokhale.

1918, February 20

Gandhi presided over annual gathering of Bhagini Samaj in Bombay, spoke on women’s education; returned to Nadiad.

1918, February 21

Motored to Kheda; interviewed Collector.

1918, February 22

Ahmedabad mill-owners declared general lockout.

1918, February 25

Gandhi returned to Ahmedabad from Nadiad.

1918, February 26

Commenced issuing leaflets on mill-hands’ struggle, also practice of addressing mill-workers daily under babul tree on Sabarmati banks.

1918, February 27

Addressed prayer meeting at Sabarmati Ashram; interviewed Pratt.

1918, March 1

Workers’ advisers pledged to feed and clothe strikers in need.

1918, March 4

Bihar and Orissa Legislative Council passed Champaran Agrarian Bill.

1918, March 7

Gandhi discussed lockout situation with coworkers.

1918, March 10

Presided over annual meeting of Gujarat Sabha at Ahmedabad.

1918, March 11

Interviewed Collector of Nadiad

1918, March 12

Lockout at mills lifted, strike by mill-workers started.

1918, March 13

Presided over two meetings addressed by Annie Besant.

1918, March 14

Mill-workers’ reproachful remarks about their polight brought to Gandhi’s knowledge.

1918, March 15

Declared at workers’ meeting decision to fast, to prevent strikers weakening.

1918, March 16

Returned to Sabarmati Ashram from Anasuyabehn’s house.

1918, March 17

Appealed to Bombay Governor for postponement of land revenue recovery.

1918, March 17

Explained significance of fast at Ashram prayer meeting.

1918, March 18

Announced settlement between mill-owners and workers; A.B. Dhruva appointed arbitrator.

1918, March 19

In leaflet No.17, last of the series, Gandhi gave implications of settlement; joined mill-workers’ procession.

1918, March 21

Spoke at public meeting addressed by C.F. Andrews, who left for Bombay to intercede with Governor on behalf of Kheda peasants.

1918, March Before 22

Followed Governor’s rejection of plea for postponement of land revenue recovery, Gandhi sent ultimatum to Pratt.

1918, March 22

Inaugurating Kheda Satyagraha, addressed 5,000 peasants in Nadiad.

1918, March 22

Satyagrahis pledged not to pay land revenue and to face consequences.

1918, March 22

Left for Delhi in response to Andrew’s telegram.

1918, March 25

Met Private Secretary to Viceroy regarding release of Ali brothers.

1918, March 27

Returned to Nadiad; wrote to Press on his recent fast. Issued circular on Kheda situation.

1918, March 28

Issued statement to Press on Kheda situation; left for Indore.

1918, March 29

Delivered presidential address at Hindi Sahitya Sammelan at Indore.

1918, March 31

In letter to Press appealed to youths in Madras Presidency to learn Hindi.

1918, April 1

Commenced Kheda tour; Reached Kathlal.

1918, April 1

At public meeting in Kathana characterized Government’s attitude as unjust.

1918, April 2

At Limbasi appealed to people not to be scared of Government’s oppressive measures.

1918, April 4

Addressed meeting at Karamsad; Rajendra Prasad and Qureshi were among those present.

1918, April 5

At Vadathal met Collector; asked people to bear hardships courageously unmindful of consequences.

1918, April 6

Visited Uttarsanda with Kasturba, Vallabhbhai Patel and Madhav Desai. Addressed public meeting of 2,000 farmers.

1918, April 7

Over 3,000 agriculturists heard Gandhi at Navagam.

1918, April 8

Visited Borsad, addressed gathering of 4,000 people.

1918, April 8

Left for Ahmedabad by train. At National Education week inauguration at Gokhale Hall in Madras, Annie Besant read out Gandhi’s message.

1918, April 10

Gandhi met District Magistrate, Ahmedabad; spoke at Aklacha on Kheda situation.

1918, April 11

Met Commissioner at Ahmedabad; spoke at Vadod.

1918, April Before 12

Issued circular inviting Ahmedabad people to attend Commissioner’s meeting on April 12.

1918, April 12

Commissioner addressed meeting of about 2,000 agriculturists, convened with Gandhi’s assistance, at Ahmedabad. Gandhi spoke in order to clear misunderstanding created by Commissioner’s speech.

1918, April 12

Addressed meeting at Nadiad; left for Bombay.

1918, April 13

In Bombay met Revenue Board Members regarding Kheda problem.

1918, April 15

Wrote from Nadiad letter to The Bombay Chronicle dispelling misconceptions created by Commissioner’s speech.

1918, April 16

Spoke at od on need to be united in fight against Government.

1918, April 17

Issued pamphlet elaborating points in his letter to The Bombay Chronicle on Commissioner’s speech. Addressed Satyagrahis at Dantali and Chikhodra.

1918, April 18

Visited Ras, in Borsad taluka, addressed agriculturists’ meeting.

1918, April 20

With Kasturba and others visited Kadir, Ajarpara and Samantha in Anand taluka and addressed meeting of peasants.

1918, April 22

Spoke to cultivators at Palaj in Borsad taluka and later at Sunvav.

1918, April 23

En route to Bombay, wrote to Kasturba: "… to be mother to Maganlal…. It is Maganlal, if anyone, who has so trained himself that he can carry on my work after me." In Bombay addressed meeting of citizens on Kheda Satyagraha. Tilak moved resolution deman

1918, April 24

Gandhi left Bombay for Delhi.

1918, April 24

Bombay Government issued Press statement of Kheda trouble.

1918, April 25

Orders issued to Mamlatdars in Northern Division not to recover land revenue from those unable to pay.

1918, April 25

Viceroy opened War Conference in Delhi.

1918, April 26

Government wrote to Sir Claude Hill declining invitation to participate in War Conference or any of its committees. Had interview with Viceroy.

1918, April 27

Agreed to participate in War Conference after interview with Viceroy.

1918, April 27

Tilak declined invitation to join War Conference

1918, April 28

Met Sir William Vincent.

1918, April 29

Spoke at War Conference supporting resolution on recruitment.

1918, April 30

Wrote to Maffey, Private Secretary to Viceroy, offering his services as per his declaration at War Conference.

1918, May 1

Left Delhi for Nadiad.

1918, May 3

In Bombay attended All-India Congress Committee session; met Annie Besant.

1918, May 5

Attended Bombay Provincial Conference and Antyaj Conference at Bijalpur.

1918, May 6

Issued statement in reply to Bombay Government’s Press note on Kheda crisis.

1918, May 6

Spoke at Bombay Provincial Conference supporting abolition of indenture system; left for Bombay.

1918, May 13

Spoke at Dhundakuva on "Soul-force v. Coercion".

1918, May 14

Was indisposed at Kathlal.

1918, May 16

Spoke at Sandesar.

1918, May 17

Left Ahmedabad for Champaran.

1918, May 18

Informed maffey that he was actively preparing for recruitment campaign.

1918, May 20

Arrived at Motihari.

1918, May 24

Left Motihari for Ahmedabad via Bankipore after laying foundation stone of Ashram.

1918, May 25

Addressed large public meeting at Patna on India’s lingua franca and self-government.

1918, May 27

Spoke at Khandhali on significance of Satyagraha.

1918, June 2

Wrote to The Bombay Chronicle and Sir George Barnes on anti-Indian legislation in South Africa.

1918, June 3

Addressed villagers at Uttarsanda and Navagam.

1918, June 6

Issued manifesto to people of Kheda signifying end of Kheda Satyagraha.

1918, June 8

Gave evidence in District Magistrate’s Court, Nadiad, accepting responsibility for advising accused to remove onions from wrongly forfeited fields; addressed large gathering outside Court exhorting people to adhere to Satyagraha.

1918, June 9

Reached Bombay; wrote to Chief Secretary, Bombay Government, declining to speak at Provincial War Conference.

1918, June 10

Attended Provincial War Conference at Town Hall.

1918, June 11

Participated in Servants of India Society celebration in Poona.

1918, June 15

Had interview with Governor of Bombay.

1918, June 16

Presided over Bombay public meeting protesting against Lord Willingdon’s provocative conduct at Provincial War Conference.

1918, June 16

Bombay branches of the Home Rule League passed resolution criticizing Government’s attitude.

1918, June 17

Gandhi conferred, with close associates regarding recruitment in Nadiad.

1918, June 21

Addressed public meeting, inaugurating recruitment campaign.

1918, June 22

Issued first leaflet of appeal for enlistment.

1918, June 24

Spoke at Ahmedabad protesting against Governor’s conduct at War Conference; appealed to people to enlist in army.

1918, June 26

At Ras spoke on need to join army.

1918, June 27

In Kheda, stressed significance and efficacy of satyagraha at reception to released satyagrahis.

1918, June 28

Speaking at Kathlal, at meeting to present address to Mohanlal Pandya, leader of the "Onion Satyagraha", on his release, compared Satyagraha to kalpavriksha.

1918, June 29

Received address at meeting to celebrate successful termination of Kheda Satyagraha.

1918, July 8

Report on Montagu-Chelmsform Constitutional Reforms released.

1918, July 9

Gandhi wrote to Jinnah that they should simultaneously work for enlisting in army and for amendment of Montagu-Chelmsform Reform Scheme.

1918, July 14

Spoke at Karamsad on recruitment.

1918, July 18

In response to Sastri’s request, set down his views on Montagu-Chelmsform Reform Scheme.

1918, July 18

Speaking at meeting presided over by Pratt in Nadiad, declared his reluctance to go outside Gujarat for recruitment work, so long as his own people hung back.

1918, July 22

Issued second leaflet of appeal for enlistment.

1918, July 22

Wrote to Govind Malaviya that Montagu-Chelmsform Scheme was good, that its shortcomings could be removed through agitation.

1918, July 27

The Bombay Chronicle published obituary of Sorabji Shapurji Adajania by Gandhi.

1918, August 1

Gandhi spoke at Surat, offering condolences to Sorabji Shapurji Adajania’s family, and appealing for enlistment in army.

1918, August 6

Imperial Conference resolution on India and Dominions.

1918, August 10

Gandhi wrote to Surendranath Banerjea on Montford Reforms and differences among Moderates and Extremists.

1918, August 11

Fell seriously ill at Nadiad.

1918, August 12

Wrote to B.G. Horniman declining president ship of Humanitarian Conference.

1918, August 15

Wrote on implications of Imperial Conference Resolutions.

1918, August 17

Conveyed to Manasukhlal Raojibhai his decision not to attend Congress session and Moderates’ Conference.

1918, August 17

Wrote to Anandshankar Dhruva regarding award in workers’ dispute.

1918, August 20

Wrote to Samarth that Montford Scheme needed modifications.

1918, August 23

Still ill; brought from Nadiad to Ahmedabad.

1918, August 23

Stayed at Sheth Ambalal’s place.

1918, August 25

Explained his differences with Congress, Moderate and Extremist leaders in letter to B. Chakravarty.

1918, August 25

Wrote to B.G. Tilak on enlistment of recruits for war.

1918, August 29

Special Congress session held in Bombay under president ship of Syed Hassan Imam.

1918, August 29

Gandhi addressed letter to press on emigration of Indian to Transvaal.

1918, August 29

Wrote to C.F. Andrews "I would not have you leave Shantiniketan."

1918, August 31

Muslim League met in Bombay under chairmanship of Raja Saheb of Mahmudabad.

1918, September 1

Special Congress session accepted resolution on Montford proposals.

1918, September 29

On return to Ahmedabad, wired Bombay Government withdrawing apology given by Navajivan publishers for supposed breach of law regarding newspaper publication

1918, October 1

In Bombay presided over public meeting at Excelsior Theatre, to celebrate 73rd birthday of Annie Besant; opened Kalbadevi Shuddha Swadeshi Bhandar.

1918, October 1

Government of India asked Punjab, Delhi and Madras to withdraw restrictions imposed upon Gandhi from October 15.

1918, October 2

Gandhi attended reception at Vanita Vishram Hall of Bhagini Samaj and received purse containing Rs,20,100; addressed meeting of Muslim students in evening.

1918, October 4

Wired Madras Governor to expedite granting permission to Miss Faering to join Sabarmati Ashram.

1918, October 6

Madras Governor’s Private Secretary wrote to Gandhi informing readiness to grant Esther Faering permission to join him if she would apply in usual way.

1918, October 7

Young India was reported to have been taken over to Ahmedabad.

1918, October 7

Gandhi received letter informing Bombay Governor’s approval of swadeshi movement.

1918, October 8

In Baroda, spoke on physical exercise at Manikrao’s gymnasium, witnessed demonstrations. First issue of Young India under Gandhi’s editorship appeared.

1918, October 9

Gandhi spoke at Maharaja Theatre, Baroda; opened swadeshi bhandar and visited brush factory and school for untouchables; attended meeting of Stree Samaj in Nyaya Mandir; proceeded to Amreli.

1918, October 10

Opened spinning-wheel class in Amreli.

1918, October 11

Reached Bhavnagar at night.

1918, October 12

Taken in procession, was presented with address by Cooth Merchants’ Association; spoke on swadeshi; visited school for untouchables; advocated spinning in spare time at women’s meeting; left for Ahmedabad.

1918, October 13

Presided over farewell to Anandshankar Dhruva at Gujarat College; later spoke to College students at meeting presided over by Robertson, Principal.

1918, October 15

Restrictions imposed on April 9, 1919, prohibiting Gandhi’s entry into Punjab, were removed. Bombay High Court warned satyagrahi lawyers who took Satyagraha pledge.

1918, October 17

Khilafat Day observed all over India.

1918, October 18

Registrar, High Court, Bombay, summoned Gandhi to attend His Lordship’s on October 20 to explain action in publishing private letter of Ahmedabad District Judge.

1918, October 20

Gandhi telegraphed Registrar expressing his inability to attend Court on October 20, owing to Punjab tour.

1918, October 22

Sent explanation to Registrar from Sabarmati Ashram regarding publication of Ahmedabad District Judge’s private letter.

1918, October 22

Informed Madras Governor of Esther Faering’s arrival at Ashram.

1918, October 22

Participated in function to felicitate Dhruva.

1918, October 22

Left Ahmedabad for Lahore via Baroda.

1918, October 24

Lahore citizens accorded warm reception to Gandhi at station.

1918, October 24

Government of India, Home Department, informed Bombay Government, Judicial Department, that it had no intention to restrict Gandhi’s movements.

1918, October 27

Gandhi had interview with Lt.Governor Sir Edward Maclagan and Deputy Commissioner.

1918, October 28

Addressed students at Pandit Rambhuj Dutt Choudhri’s house.

1918, October 28

Left for Delhi with C.F. Andrews to attend Punjab Inquiry Committee meeting.

1918, October 28

Government of Indian informed Chief Secretary, Madras State, of withdrawal of restrictions imposed upon Gandhi with effect from October 5, 1919, and asked latter to do likewise.

1918, October 29

Gandhi attended Punjab Inquiry Committee meeting; met Lord Hunter and other officials.

1918, October 29

Addressed public meeting under Swami Shraddhanand’s chairmanship.

1918, October 31

Wired Sabarmati Ashram not to have "peace celebrations" on December 13 and 14 if Khilafat question remained unsettled.

1918, October 31

Bombay High Court Registrar declared Gandhi’s explanation to be unsatisfactory and demanded publication of apology.

1918, November 1

Gandhi gave interview to Associated Press of India on South African Commission.

1918, November 1

Attended public meeting of Delhi citizens at Pataudi House, but meeting abandoned due to disorder.

1918, November 2

Delhi martyrs meeting was resumed. Gandhi addressed gathering.

1918, November 3

First open session of Punjab Inquiry Committee convened.

1918, November 3

Gandhi was reported taking evidence in martial law cases.

1918, November 4

At Amritsar Golden Temple, was presented with a turban; spoke on swadeshi at women’s meeting; visited Jallianwala Bagh and Khalsa College. Left for Lahor with Andrews.

1918, November 7

Telegraphed Registrar, High Court, Bombay for leave till receipt of counsel’s opinion.

1918, November 11

Held conference with Madan Mohan Malaviya, Motilal Nehru, C.R. Das and Andrews.

1918, November 11

Malaviya was refused permission to visit Harkishen Lal in jail.

1918, November 11

Disorders Inquiry Committee arrived at Lahore.

1918, November 15

Gandhi spoke at meeting to bid farewell to Andrews who was proceeding to South Africa.

1918, November 20

Visited Gujranwala; addressed public meeting at Gurukul.

1918, November 21

Recorded statements from witnesses at Gujranwala; addressed women’s meeting.

1918, November 23

Spoke at Khilafat Conference at Delhi, attended exclusively by Muslims.

1918, November 23

M.A. Jinnah regretted inability to attend.

1918, November 24

Gandhi presided over joint Hindu-Muslim session of Khilafat Congress; spoke in Hindi. Resolution declared Indians’ unwillingness to participate in peace celebration until Khilafat question was settled.

1918, November 24

Advisory committee against peace celebrations formed; one piece of Gandhi auctioned for Rs.501.

1918, November 26

Gandhi visited and spoke at Nizamabad and Kasur.

1918, November 29

Visited Akalgarh.

1918, November 30

Visited Ramnagar.

1918, December 1

Recorded statements at Hafizabad.

1918, December 2

Addressed Hafizabad students’ and women’s meetings.

1918, December 3

Reached Sangla Hill in evening, collected evidence; left for Lahore.

1918, December 3

Indian Reforms Bill discussed in House of Commons.

1918, December 5

In Sheikhupura, Gandhi addressed meeting on Hindu-Muslim unity.

1918, December 5

Indian Reforms Bill passed third reading in house of commons.

1918, December 6

Gandhi left Sheikhupura for Chuharkana, spoke on need for discipline when detained by crowd at railway station.

1918, December 7

Visited Lyallpur in evening, received statements.

1918, December 8

Addressed meeting of women at noon and public meeting in evening.

1918, December 8

Indian Reforms Bill had first reading in House of Lords.

1918, December 9

Gandhi arrived in Lahore.

1918, December 11

Spoke at celebration of Sabha Mandal.

1918, December 11

Wrote to Registrar, High Court, Bombay that he "could not conscientiously offer any apology".

1918, December 11

Registrar’s application suo moto for "a rule nisi calling upon Messrs Gandhi and Desai to show cause why they should not be committed or otherwise dealt with according to law for contempt of court" granted.

1918, December 24

Reforms Bill received Royal assent; Royal Proclamation announcing clemency to political prisoners issued.

1918, December 28

At Amritsar, Gandhi dissolved All-India-Humanitarian Conference on account of disorder.

1918, December 29

Attended Indian National Congress session; moved resolution regarding South African Indians’ hardships. Attended All-India Muslim League session.

1918, December 30

Moved resolution at Indian National Congress session on Punjab and Gujarat disturbances.

1918, December 31

Attended Congress session.