Last updated on: March 10, 2026
Rajmohan Gandhi was born on August 7, 1935, in New Delhi, India. He comes from two famous families in India’s history. His father was Devdas Gandhi, the youngest son of Mahatma Gandhi. His mother was Lakshmi Rajagopalachari, the daughter of C. Rajagopalachari.
This means Rajmohan Gandhi is the grandson of two major figures of modern India. On one side is Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s freedom movement. On the other side is Rajagopalachari, a respected statesman and scholar.
Growing up in such a family shaped his thinking from an early age. He often heard discussions about politics, ethics, and public service. These ideas later influenced his work as a writer and historian.
Quick Facts About Rajmohan Gandhi
| Full Name | Rajmohan Gandhi |
| Birthdate | August 7, 1935 |
| Age | 90 years and 7 months old |
| Birthplace | New Delhi, India |
| Occupation | Historian, Author, Biographer, Professor |
| Husband / Wife | Usha Gandhi |
| Education | St. Stephen’s College, Delhi |
| Parents | Father: Devdas Gandhi • Mother: Lakshmi Rajagopalachari |
| Grandparents | Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi |
| Siblings | Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Ramchandra Gandhi, Gopalkrishna Gandhi |
| Children | Tushar Gandhi and Archana Gandhi |
| Known For | Being the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and a respected historian |
| Academic Role | Research Professor at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| Other Role | Scholar-in-Residence at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar |
| Political Role | Member of Rajya Sabha (1990–1992) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Education and Early Interests
Rajmohan Gandhi studied at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, one of India’s most respected colleges. During his student years, he became interested in history and public affairs.
He was especially curious about how societies deal with conflict. He also wanted to understand the lives of leaders who shaped India’s future.
Over time, this interest led him to research and write about the freedom movement, political leaders, and the history of South Asia.
Academic Career
Rajmohan Gandhi later became a teacher and scholar. He taught at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States. There he served as a Research Professor at the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.
His work focused on South Asian history, peace studies, and political thought. Students and researchers valued his ability to explain complex events in a simple and balanced way.
He also worked as a Scholar-in-Residence at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar. In this role, he continued to teach, guide students, and speak about ethics and leadership.
Work for Dialogue and Democracy
Rajmohan Gandhi has long supported dialogue and understanding between communities. In the 1960s and 1970s, he helped develop Asia Plateau in Panchgani, a center connected to the Initiatives of Change. The center promotes peace, trust, and cooperation.
He also spoke out during the The Emergency (India 1975–1977). At that time, many freedoms were limited. Rajmohan supported democracy through his weekly journal Himmat, which he edited for many years.
His work during this period showed his strong belief in free speech and fair government.
Role in Public Life
Rajmohan Gandhi also took part in politics and public service. From 1990 to 1992, he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
During this time, he worked on issues related to social justice and minority rights. In 1990, he also led India’s delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva.
Earlier, in 1989, he ran in the national election from Amethi as a candidate of the Janata Dal. His opponent was Rajiv Gandhi. Although he did not win, the campaign showed his willingness to participate in democratic politics.
Books and Writing Career
Rajmohan Gandhi is widely known for his books. He has written many works on Indian history and political leaders. His books are clear, thoughtful, and well researched.
Some of his most well-known books include:
Rajaji: A Life
The Good Boatman: A Portrait of Gandhi
Mohandas: A True Story of a Man, His People, and an Empire
His book “Rajaji: A Life” won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002.
Many of his writings explore themes such as peace, trust between communities, and the lessons of history.
READ ALSO: Mahatma Gandhi Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
A Legacy of Ideas
Rajmohan Gandhi has built his own path while carrying a famous family name. Through his books, teaching, and public work, he has helped people understand India’s past and its challenges.
His life shows how scholarship and dialogue can support peace and democracy. In this way, he continues a tradition of public service that began with his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi.
