Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), was an Indian pacifist leader and the main figure in the independence of India, then a British colony. He gained prominence in the struggle against the British through his non-violence project. In addition to his fight for Indian independence, he also became known for his thoughts and philosophy. He resorted to fasting, marches and civil disobedience, that is, he encouraged the non-payment of taxes and the boycott of British products. The rivalries between Hindus and Muslims delayed the independence process. With the outbreak of World War II, Gandhi returned to fight for the immediate withdrawal of the British from his country. It was only in 1947 that the British recognized the independence of India.