sh rule, they also felt that the British were exploiting their land and people.
India was a land of contrasts, with its people separated geographically, linguistically, spiritually, and ethnically. The population was characterized by great poverty and great wealth. Even peoples of the same race and religion were divided one group from another by their caste. Although most people in India were Hindus, the second largest group were Muslims, which generated considerable religious conflict. Only a man like Gandhi could unite a land of such formidable contrasts.
In accordance with Hindu custom, Gandhi married at an early age. He was thirteen at the time and still in school. The marriage was arranged, and the young couple did not meet until the wedding. Although Gandhi loved his wife Kasturbai, and the pair grew spiritually in a marital bond that lasted more than 60 years, Gandhi later expressed opposition to the custom of child marriages, "I see no moral argument in support of such a preposterously early marriage." After his marriage, Gandhi had left school, but he soon decided that an education was important to him and returned.
At sixteen, Gandhi's father died and the young Gandhi himself was about to become a father. Although the youngest of his siblings, Gandhi was also the best hope for the future of his extended family. Gandhi had wanted to become a doctor, but soon saw the advantage of a legal career. He decided to take a three-year course in England because a British degree would take less time and bring more prestige. Gandhi's mother vehemently opposed the journey, and relented only after her son vowed not to touch alcohol, women, or meat while he lived abroad.
In England, Gandhi pursued the goals of studying the law diligently and living frugally. He found inexpensive lodgings with a kitchen so he could cook vegetarian meals. Gandhi began using food in experiments to test his willpower: "As I searc...