To Count Leo Tolstoy, Yasnaya Polyana, Russia.
JOHANNESBURG, 4th April 1910.
Dear Sir,
You will recollect my having carried on correspondence with you whilst I was temporarily in London. As a humble follower of yours, I send you herewith a booklet which I have written. It is my own translation of a Gujrati writing. Curiously enough, the original writing has been confiscated by the Government of India. I, therefore, hastened the above publication of the translation.
I am most anxious not to worry you, but, if your health permits it and if you can find the time to go through the booklet, needless to say I shall value very highly your criticism of the writing.
I am sending also a few copies of your letter to a Hindoo, which you authorised me to publish. It has been translated in one of the Indian languages also.
I am, Your obedient servant, M. K. GANDHI.
About This Letter
Historical Context
Gandhi sends Tolstoy his seminal work 'Indian Home Rule' (Hind Swaraj), noting that the original Gujarati version had been confiscated by the Government of India. Text sourced from [Wikisource](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Correspondence_between_Tolstoy_and_Gandhi).
Significance
This letter accompanied Gandhi's most important political work, Hind Swaraj, which outlined his vision for Indian independence through non-violent means.
About Mohandas K. Gandhi
Gandhi had returned to South Africa and continued leading the passive resistance movement while developing his political philosophy.