( pronounced: [ˈmoːɦənd̪aːs ˈkərəmtʃənd̪ ˈɡaːnd̪ʱi] ; 2 October 1869 [1] – 30 January 1948), commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi , was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India . Employing non-violent civil disobedience , Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the