This four-page graduate paper examines the life of Mohandas Gandhi, his philosophy of nonviolence, his religious views, his achievements, and his legacy as one of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century. The author discusses Gandhi’s vital role in the Indian independence movement, provides a brief historical, religious, and political overview of India, examines factors relating to British imperialism in India, and examines political developments and challenges in India since independence was won from Great Britain in 1947.