Mahatma Gandhi used peaceful protest and national strikes to help bring about the end of British rule in India, often putting himself in grave danger in the process. Shortly after independence, and having successfully gone on hunger strike to force Muslim and Hindu leaders to halt the wave of sectarian violence sweeping through the country, Gandhi was assassinated by one of his own people.
Gandhi's name has become synonymous with peace and toleration. Not only did he campaign for independence, but also for religious toleration between Hindus, Muslims and Christians, and for an end to the Indian caste system and the appalling treatment of those deemed 'untouchable'.