Last updated on: February 20, 2026
Laxmidas Gandhi was the elder brother of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born around 1860 in Gujarat, India. He grew up in a respected family that worked in public service. His father, Karamchand “Kaba” Gandhi, served as a Diwan, or chief minister, in princely states. His grandfather had also held the same position. Public duty was part of the family tradition.
His mother, Putlibai Gandhi, was deeply religious. She prayed daily and often fasted. Her faith shaped the home environment. The children learned discipline, honesty, and respect from her. Laxmidas grew up with these strong values from an early age.
He was the eldest among four siblings. After him came Karsandas, Raliatbehn, and the youngest, Mohandas. As the oldest child, Laxmidas carried extra responsibility. He was expected to guide the younger ones. This role made him mature at a young age.
| Full Name | Laxmidas Karamchand Gandhi |
| Birthdate
Death |
Around 1860
1914 |
| Age | Died around age 54 |
| Occupation | Government servant / clerk |
| Husband/Wife | Not known |
| Education | Traditional Gujarati education; some legal exposure |
| Parents | Karamchand “Kaba” Gandhi and Putlibai Gandhi |
| Siblings | Karsandas Gandhi, Raliatbehn, Mahatma Gandhi |
| Children | N/A |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Family Influence and Childhood Home
The Gandhi home mixed government culture with spiritual life. On one side, the children watched their father handle political matters. They saw how power worked. They also learned about fairness and justice. On the other side, their mother taught them prayer and self-control.
This balance shaped Laxmidas deeply. He respected authority but also valued moral behavior. The family followed Gujarati Hindu customs. They honored elders and protected family reputation. Money was handled carefully. Waste was discouraged.
These early lessons later influenced Mohandas Gandhi’s life choices. But they shaped Laxmidas too. He became steady, practical, and responsible. He believed in living a stable life and supporting the family.
Career and Working Life
Laxmidas chose a conventional path. He worked as a government servant and clerk in Gujarat. His career was modest but respectable. He did not chase fame or public recognition. He preferred quiet work and family stability.
Some accounts suggest he had legal knowledge. This helped him understand administration better. His work kept him connected to the same system his father served. In many ways, he continued the family tradition of civil duty.
Unlike his younger brother, he did not travel abroad or enter politics. He stayed rooted in local life. His focus remained on employment and household responsibility. This difference later made Mohandas stand out even more.
Support for Young Mohandas
Laxmidas played an important role in Mohandas Gandhi’s early journey. When Mohandas wanted to study law in London, the decision shocked many people. Overseas travel was controversial at the time. It was also expensive.
Laxmidas supported his younger brother during this period. He helped financially and emotionally. His backing gave Mohandas confidence. Without that help, the London education might not have happened.
An 1886 photograph shows the two brothers together. They sit in traditional clothing. The image captures their close bond. Laxmidas appears protective and calm. Mohandas looks young and uncertain. The photo reflects a real family connection, not just history.
Later Years and Death
Laxmidas lived most of his life away from public attention. Records about his personal life are limited. He remained a private figure. He focused on work and family rather than politics.
He passed away in 1914. This was long before Mahatma Gandhi became the main leader of India’s freedom movement. At the time of his death, the family still faced financial struggles. These were challenges Mohandas later tried to fix.
Even though he died early, Laxmidas had already shaped his brother’s path. His support during the early years left a lasting impact.
READ ALSO: Mahatma Gandhi Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Legacy and Importance
Laxmidas Gandhi represents the quiet strength behind a famous name. He was not a revolutionary leader. He was a responsible elder brother. He stood for duty, stability, and family honor.
Great figures do not grow alone. They come from homes filled with guidance and sacrifice. Laxmidas was part of that foundation. His life reminds us that history is shaped not only by heroes, but also by the people who stand beside them.
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