Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi with Kallenbach and others at the Tolstoy Fram 1910. Gandhi established an idealistic community called 'Tolstoy Farm' near Johannesburg. where he nurtured his policy of peaceful resistance. Gandhi (2 October 1869  30 January 1948). was the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India. Employing nonviolent civil disobedience. Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.