Mahatma Gandhi belonged to the Bania caste.

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most iconic leaders in India's struggle for independence, was born into the Bania caste. The Bania caste, traditionally associated with trade and commerce, is a Vaishya community within the Hindu varna system. Members of this caste have historically been involved in business activities such as trading, shopkeeping, and money lending.

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day Gujarat, into a family that belonged to the Modh Bania sub-caste. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was a diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar, indicating that while the family was part of the Bania caste, they also held positions of some administrative importance. Gandhi's mother, Putlibai, was deeply religious and influenced his spiritual upbringing.

Despite his commercial caste background, Gandhi did not pursue a career in business. Instead, he studied law in London and became a barrister. His life's work took a different path as he became a leader of the Indian independence movement, advocating for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against British colonial rule. His philosophies and actions earned him the title of "Mahatma," meaning "great soul."

Gandhi's commitment to social justice extended beyond the fight for independence; he also worked to eradicate the caste system's inequities, promote Hindu-Muslim unity, and improve the status of the untouchables, whom he referred to as Harijans, or "children of God."