You’ve noticed it for years, but never understood why. What’s the difference between Mohandas and Mahatma Gandhi? It’s all very simple.
What’s in a Name? Mohandas Gandhi
Both Mohandas and Mahatma Gandhi refer to the very same person. Mohandas is a name. Mahatma is a title.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) was the man who led India to independence from Britain. In the process, the land was divided in two: Muslim Pakistan, with the remainder becoming the new Hindu-dominated India.
What’s in a Title? Mahatma Gandhi
He employed peaceful means to accomplish this end, and so came to be revered among the people. The reverence is reflected in the title Mahatma, which is defined as a revered person or sage who, some suggest possesses supernatural powers.
Note: The use of titles as if they were names should not be surprising. Some illustrative examples are Jesus Christ, Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, Candace – Queen of Ethiopia.
