Gaja-Lak•mï (‘Elephant-Lak•mï’)

A portrayal of LAKÆMÏbeing doused by

two elephants, one on each side, a

favourite motif in Hindu sculpture.

Gandharva (1)

In the VEDA, Gandharva is a deity who

knows and reveals the secrets of heaven.

Gandharva (2)

Heavenly musicians who were fond of

women.

Gandharva (3)

A form of (legitimate) marriage

designating a love union.

Gandharva Veda

Treatise on music and song, including

drama and dancing. Its author is

BHÄRATAMUNIand it is an appendix to

the Sämaveda.

Gandhi, Mohandas

Karamchand (Mahatma)

(1869–1948)

Indian nationalist leader, pioneer of

passive resistance and advocate of non-

violence. Gandhi was born in Por-

bandhar, Gujarat. His father and his

grandfather had been premiers in small

princely states in Kathiawar. His moth-

er was a devout VAIÆŒAVAand as a

youth he befriended a Jain, who had a

major influence on his character. After

studies in England he practised law in

South Africa where he played an impor-

tant part in the contribution of the

Indian community to the struggle

against apartheid, developing concepts

such as satyägraha (truth-grasping) and

techniques such as ahiƒsä (non-violent

resistance).

G

A commemorative stamp showing

the head of Gandhi.

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