Image: Gandhi during his peace work in the Partition period, historical photograph.
The violence surrounding the Partition of British India in 1946 and 1947 became one of the most difficult periods of Mahatma Gandhi’s public life. Rather than participating in political celebrations, Gandhi spent much of this period travelling through areas affected by communal violence.
Noakhali
Beginning in late 1946, Gandhi travelled through Noakhali in Bengal, visiting villages affected by communal violence. He met residents, held prayer meetings and appealed for reconciliation.
Bihar
Gandhi later travelled to Bihar after reports of retaliatory violence. He urged local communities to stop attacks and protect members of other religious communities.
Calcutta
In August 1947, Gandhi remained in Calcutta rather than attending independence celebrations in Delhi. His presence and fast were associated with efforts to halt communal violence in the city.
Delhi in his final months
After further violence and displacement, Gandhi worked in Delhi to promote communal peace and address the concerns of refugees and minority communities.
Historical significance
Gandhi’s Partition-era work illustrates the importance he placed on inter-community reconciliation during a period of extraordinary violence and displacement.
Read NewsNationOnline’s Gandhi Smriti feature and Gandhi’s final years feature.
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