Question

Winston Churchill described Mahatma Gandhi as a ‘seditious Middle Temple Lawyer’ now ‘posing as a half-naked fakir’. What provoked such a comment? What does it tell you about the symbolic strength of Mahatma Gandhi’s dress?

Answer 1

Hint
Gandhiji went to attend the second round table conference and was wearing his Dhoti.

Complete answer:
Winston Churchill made a remark on Gandhi Ji in 1931. Gandhi Ji went for a second round table conference around then. He went to meet the viceroy, Lord Irwin. Gandhi Ji was posing for a portrait in a Dhoti at Kingsley Hall in London. Mr Churchill after looking at Gandhi Ji posing for the portrait stated that it was nauseating to see Mr Gandhi the seditious Middle Temple lawyer now posing as a half-naked fakir, well known in the middle east. It can be said that the symbolic strength of his dress might have provoked such a comment. It somehow showed how he sees and values his people and the pride he had for his nation. Gandhi Ji wanted to meet Churchill during the conference but he could not meet him as Mr Churchill denied to see him. Although, his son did meet Gandhi Ji. Later in July 1944, Gandhi Ji wrote a letter to Mr Churchill mentioning how he had wanted to be a fakir that was too naked. So, he will take the expression as a compliment.

Note
Gandhi Ji was posing for a portrait at Kingsley Hall in London. He was wearing a Dhoti and his attire might have provoked such a comment from Mr Churchill.