Tolstoy Farm

Gandhi Tolstoy Farm

Tolstoy Farm was a communal settlement established by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi during his time in South Africa. It was named after the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, whose ideas on nonviolent resistance and simple living greatly influenced Gandhi. The farm served as a retreat and a place for Satyagraha activists to live and work together.

History[edit | edit source]

Tolstoy Farm was founded in 1910 near Johannesburg, South Africa. Gandhi, who was leading the Indian community in their struggle against discriminatory laws, envisioned the farm as a self-sufficient community where residents could practice self-reliance and communal living. The farm was funded by Hermann Kallenbach, a close associate of Gandhi and a supporter of his ideals.

Purpose and Activities[edit | edit source]

The primary purpose of Tolstoy Farm was to provide a sanctuary for Satyagraha activists who were involved in the nonviolent resistance movement against the Transvaal government. The residents engaged in various activities, including agriculture, education, and handicrafts. The farm also served as a training ground for activists, where they could learn the principles of Satyagraha and prepare for their roles in the struggle for civil rights.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Tolstoy Farm played a significant role in the development of Gandhi's ideas on nonviolence and self-sufficiency. The experiences and lessons learned at the farm influenced his later work in India, where he led the Indian independence movement. The farm is considered an important historical site and a symbol of the early struggle for civil rights in South Africa.