Gandhis

Gandhis is a surname of Indian origin, most strongly associated with a prominent family in Indian public life. The most famous bearer is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869–1948), known as Mahatma Gandhi, who led the Indian independence movement through nonviolent civil disobedience and developed the philosophy of satyagraha. He was married to Kasturba Gandhi, and together they raised four sons—Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, and Devdas.

The Gandhi name became associated with modern Indian politics through Indira Gandhi, who served as prime minister (1966–1977, 1980–1984), a central figure of the Congress leadership for decades. Her son Rajiv Gandhi (1944–1991) later became prime minister (1984–1989). Rajiv's wife, Sonia Gandhi (born 1946), led the Congress party as its president and remained a political figure into the 2000s; their children, Rahul Gandhi (born 1970) and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (born 1972), have been active in Indian politics.

Another prominent Gandhi in the late 20th century was Sanjay Gandhi (1946–1980), Indira Gandhi's son, who played a leading role in domestic policy during the Emergency period.

Beyond these families, many people with the surname Gandhi live in India and abroad. In Gujarat, where the name is common among merchants, Gandhi remains a widely used surname and, in some cases, a symbol of public life due to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.