Last updated on: February 23, 2026
Harilal Mohandas Gandhi was the eldest son of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s freedom movement, and Kasturba Gandhi. While his father became a world symbol of peace and truth, Harilal lived a life filled with struggle and sadness. His story shows the human side of a famous family and the challenges of living in the shadow of greatness.
Quick Facts About Harilal Gandhi
| Full Name | Harilal Mohandas Gandhi |
| Birthdate | 23 August 1888 |
| Age | 59 years (at the time of death) |
| Occupation | Freedom movement participant, satyagrahi, social activist |
| Husband/Wife | Gulab Gandhi (Gulabben) |
| Education | Formal higher education not completed; wished to study law in England |
| Parents | Mahatma Gandhi (father), Kasturba Gandhi (mother) |
| Siblings | Manilal Gandhi, Ramdas Gandhi, Devdas Gandhi |
| Children | Rani (Rami/Ranibehn), Manu (Manorama), Kantilal Gandhi, Rasiklal Gandhi, Shantilal Gandhi |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
| Nickname | “Chhote Gandhi” (Little Gandhi) |
| Date of Death | 18 June 1948 |
| Place of Death | Mumbai, India |
| Cause of Death | Tuberculosis |
Early Life and Childhood
Harilal Gandhi was born on 23 August 1888 in British India. He was the first child of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. Soon after his birth, his father left for England to study law. Because of this, Harilal spent much of his early childhood with his mother and relatives, especially his uncle Laxmidas Gandhi.
Life in the Gandhi family was simple and strict. Later, the family lived in ashrams where everyone shared work and followed discipline. Children woke early, did chores, and lived modestly. This lifestyle shaped Harilal’s upbringing, but he did not always agree with it.
Joining the Freedom Movement
As a young man, Harilal joined his father’s struggle against British rule. He took part in satyagraha protests in South Africa. Between 1908 and 1911, he went to jail six times for these activities.
People admired his courage and called him “Chhote Gandhi,” meaning “Little Gandhi.” Many believed he would grow into a leader like his father. At that time, he showed strong dedication and bravery.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1906, Harilal married Gulab Gandhi (Gulabben). The couple had five children — daughters Rani and Manu (Manorama), and sons Kantilal, Rasiklal, and Shantilal. Sadly, the two younger sons died at an early age.
A major tragedy struck when Gulab died during the 1918 influenza pandemic. Her death deeply affected Harilal. After losing his wife, he became emotionally broken and slowly drifted away from family life.
Conflict with His Father
One of the biggest struggles in Harilal’s life was his difficult relationship with Mahatma Gandhi.
Harilal wanted to study law in England, just like his father had done. He hoped to build a successful career. However, Gandhi refused to support this idea. He believed Western education was not necessary for serving the nation.
This decision hurt Harilal deeply. He felt his dreams were ignored. Over time, arguments grew stronger, and the father and son became distant. In 1911, Harilal even broke ties with the family for a period.
Personal Struggles and Religious Conversion
Harilal tried different jobs and business ventures, but most failed. Financial problems followed. He also struggled with alcohol addiction, which made life harder.
In 1936, he converted to Islam and took the name Abdullah Gandhi. The decision shocked many people and brought public attention. Later that same year, at his mother Kasturba’s request, he returned to Hinduism through the Arya Samaj and adopted the name Hiralal.
These changes showed his inner struggle and search for identity.
READ ALSO: Mahatma Gandhi Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Final Years and Death
Harilal’s later years were marked by poverty and poor health. He often lived alone and away from public life. When Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in January 1948, Harilal attended the funeral, but many people did not recognize him because of his condition.
He died of tuberculosis on 18 June 1948 in a municipal hospital in Mumbai. He was 59 years old and passed away quietly, only months after his father’s death.
Legacy
Harilal Gandhi’s life tells a powerful story. It reminds us that even great leaders have families with struggles and emotions. His journey shows the pain of unmet dreams and the difficulty of finding one’s own path.
Today, historians see Harilal not only as Gandhi’s troubled son but as a human being searching for purpose in a very demanding world. His life adds depth and honesty to the history of the Gandhi family.
