WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mahatma is an adaptation of the Sanskrit word mahātman, which literally meant “great-souled.” As a general, uncapitalized English noun, “mahatma” can refer to any great person; in India, it is used as a title of love and respect.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mahatma is a Sanskrit term which means “the great soul.” It is derived from maha, meaning “great” and atma, meaning “soul” or “true Self.” The term was adopted by Buddhism and Jainism, but its usage in Hinduism is more extensive. The title of Mahatma is bestowed upon those who are spiritually developed.

Detailed explanation-3: -"Mahatma", meaning a great soul, is often taken to be Gandhi’s given name in the West. Poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore bestowed this title to Gandhi in 1915 while writing his autobiography. Was this answer helpful?

Detailed explanation-4: -The Gandhi who landed in South Africa doesn’t seem a likely recipient of the spiritual honorific-"Mahatma” means “Great Soul"-that the poet Rabindranath Tagore affixed to his name years later, four years after his return to India.

Detailed explanation-5: -Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as “Mahatma” (Great Soul), was the leader of the Indian nationalist (MOVE) against British rule. He is regarded as the father of the Indian nation.

Detailed explanation-6: -Gandhi used methods of passive resistance and nonviolent disobedience, such as boycotts and hunger strikes, to influence British rulers. He was assassinated in 1948, just after India secured its independence. The title mahatma means “great soul.”