Q 01/05

What does the honorific 'Mahatma' mean in Sanskrit?

A) 'Father of the nation'

B) 'Teacher of truth'

C) 'Great-souled'

D) 'Holy wanderer'

Answer · why

C) 'Great-souled'

It was first applied to him in South Africa in 1914; Indians also called him Bapu, roughly 'father'.

Q 02/05

In which coastal town of Gujarat was Gandhi born on 2 October 1869?

A) Ahmedabad

B) Porbandar

C) Rajkot

D) Surat

Answer · why

B) Porbandar

His father served the small princely state of the same name.

Q 03/05

What position did Gandhi's father Karamchand hold in his home princely state?

A) Dewan, or chief minister

B) Commander of the palace guard

C) Chief judge of the state

D) Physician to the ruler

Answer · why

A) Dewan, or chief minister

He had only an elementary education and had been a clerk, but proved a capable minister; he married four times.

Q 04/05

According to his sister, what was one of the young Gandhi's favourite pastimes?

A) Climbing mango trees

B) Flying kites

C) Catching fish by hand

D) Twisting dogs' ears

Answer · why

D) Twisting dogs' ears

She described him as 'restless as mercury'; the stories of Shravana and King Harishchandra made a deep impression on him.

Q 05/05

How old was Gandhi when he married Kasturbai Kapadia in May 1883?

A) 15

B) 16

C) 18

D) 13

Answer · why

D) 13

His brother and cousin were married at the same joint ceremony; he later wrote with regret about his teenage lust.