In 1934, an earthquake in the Bihar region of Eastern India measuring 8.4 on the Richter scale killed more than 10,000 people. The devasation it caused was followed by controversy, sparked by Mahatma Gandhi’s interpretation of its occurrence. In Gandhi’s opinion, natural catastrophes such as the earthquake were a clear sign of God’s punishment for the practice of “untouchability” (discrimination against low castes). However, many of Gandhi’s followers interpreted natural catastrophes as signs that British colonial rule needed to be overthrown.
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Further Readings:
- Gandhi, Ramchandra. “Earthquake in Bihar: The Transfiguration of Karma.” In Language, Tradition and Modern Civilization, edited by Ramchandra Gandhi, 125-53. Poona: Indian Philosophical Quarterly, 1983.
Day:
15
Month:
1
Year:
1934