Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi was an Indian activist who advocated nonviolence, peace and unity in creating an independent Indian nation. Gandhi's principles of satyagraha (holding on to truth, or soul force) and ahimsa (nonviolence) have inspired many leaders in liberation struggles around the world, including Martin Luther King Jr. in his role during the American civil rights movement. Distinguished urbanist Lewis Mumford called Gandhi "the most important religious figure of our time. “