King's Pilgrimage to India

"To other countries I may go as a tourist, but to India I come as a pilgrim."

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By Francis MillerLIFE Photo Collection

Introduction

In February of 1959, Martin Luther King, Jr. embarked on his pilgrimage to India, a journey that proved to become a momentous turning point for the charismatic leader amid the uproar of the civil rights movement. 

By Mark KauffmanLIFE Photo Collection

Gandhian philosophies for nonviolent social change profoundly influenced King’s beliefs and actions as a preacher and leader. To understand and foster a deeper relationship with these techniques, King traveled to the heart of where Gandhian philosophies originated. Upon arrival in India, King welcomed immense support from the people—who celebrated his approach in the Montgomery Bus Boycott—and leaders from all corners of the country.

Martin Luther King Greets Pyarelal Nayar, Gandhi's Former Secretary (Feb 10, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

At each leg of his trip, King met with high-ranking members of government and social movements, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Bhoodan independence movement leader Vinoba Bhave. They engaged in heated discussions on political, economic, and social policies, during which King noted similarities between the treatment of blacks in the U.S. and “untouchables” in India.

The Second Seige Petersburg , Va. (1960-05) by Howard SochurekLIFE Photo Collection

The African American and Indian overlapping minority experiences drove conversations on racialism and imperialism. King continuously faced people’s disbelief in nonviolent resistance within the United States and India, but he stood firm in his belief, affirmed by his experiences during the pilgrimage to India.

New Delhi Welcomes the King Party's Arrival (1959-02-10)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

New Delhi 2/10-2/13

King later shared his thoughts on India's capabilities to empower nonviolent principles: "Today India is a tremendous force for peace and non-violence, at home and abroad. It is a land where the idealist and the intellectual are yet respected. We should want to help India preserve her soul and thus help to save our own." ("My Trip to the Land of Gandhi," Martin Luther King, Jr., July 1959)

Airline Tickets for Coretta Scott King and Lawrence Dunbar Reddick, Indian Airlines Corporation, Feb 10, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Airline Tickets for Coretta Scott King and Lawrence Dunbar Reddick, Indian Airlines Corporation, Feb 10, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Martin Luther King Arrived at the New Delhi Airport (Feb 10, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

James Bristol, one of King's travel companions, recalled the warm reception the Kings received upon arrival: "Dr. and Mrs. King arrived at Palam Airport, and were accorded a warm reception, though understandably fewer people were on hand than had been there on Sunday. The press, news photographers, and news-reel cameramen were there in full force. The Kings were given many garlands. G. Ramachandran and Sucheta Kripalani garlanded and welcomed them on behalf of the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi."

(Notes from the "Tour Diary of James Bristol," February-March 1959)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Attends a Press Conference at the Janpath Hotel (Feb 10, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

During King's first press conference in New Delhi, he shared his enthusiasm to embark upon his pilgrimage: "To other countries I may go as a tourist, but to India I come as a pilgrim.

This is because India means to me Mahatma Gandhi, a truly great personality of the ages.

India also means to me Pandit Nehru and his wise statemanship and intellectuality that are recognized the world over.

Perhaps, above all, India is the land where the techniques of non-violent social change were developed that my people have used in Montgomery, Alabama and elsewhere throughout the American South. We have found them to be effective and sustaining---they work!

We hope and pray that the bonds of friendship will be strengthened between us and among all men who dedicate their lives and possessions to justice, peace and brotherhood."

(Martin Luther King, Jr. at a press conference, Feb 10, 1959)

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Trip to India Article in the Indian Express, Indian Express, Feb 10,1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Trip to India Article in the Indian Express, Indian Express, Feb 10,1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Rajkumari Amrit Kaur Greets the Kings (Feb 10, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, president of the World Health Assembly, greeted Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King on the steps of her home as they arrived for a luncheon.

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur Greets Martin Luther King, Jr. (Feb 10, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

The Kings with Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's Vice-President (Feb 10, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

After meeting with India's president, Rajendra Prasad, and its vice president, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (pictured), the Kings "were very impressed by their hour's conversation." Coretta King noted that her husband compared the sessions with India's elders to "meeting George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison in a single day."

("My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr.," Coretta Scott King, 1969)

Coretta Scott King Surrounded by Female University Students (Feb 10, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

During the reception at the Quaker Center, James Bristol recalled how it "brought together a wide cross-section of both New Delhi and Old Delhi people. Students both from India and other countries, prominent people in India's public life, diplomats from a number of embassies were present. The Kings remarked about the international character of the gathering."

(Notes from the "Tour Diary of James Bristol," February-March 1959)

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Trip to India Article in the Indian Express (Feb 11,1959) by Indian ExpressThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

"Martin Luther King's Trip to India" article published by Indian Express (February 11 1959)

The Kings with Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Feb 10, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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King later reflected upon his meeting with the Prime Minister: "Nehru, who is at once an intellectual and a man charged with the practical responsibility of heading the government, seems to steer a middle course between these extreme attitudes. In our talk with him he indicated that he felt that some industrialization was absolutely necessary; that there were some things that only big or heavy industry could do for the country but that if the state keeps a watchful eye on the developments, most of the pitfalls may be avoided."

("My Trip to the Land of Gandhi," Martin Luther King, Jr., July 1959)

"Notes for Conversation between King and Nehru" (Feb 10, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s notes for his meeting with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru

Martin Luther King, Jr. visits Gandhi's shrine (Feb 11, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

King removed his shoes before entering the sacred premises of Gandhi's shrine.

The Kings Lay a Wreath on Gandhi's Samadhi at Rajghat in New Delhi (1959-02-11)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Upon visiting Gandhi's Samadhi, his cremation site, to lay a wreath and pay respects, "[the Kings] were obviously deeply moved. Martin Luther King knelt in prayer for some time after having placed the wreath on the Samadhi."

("With the Kings in India: A Souvenir of Dr. Martin Luther King's Visit to India," February 1959-March 1959 [New Delhi: Gandhi National Memorial Fund, 1959])

Martin Luther King at the Samadhi of Gandhi (Feb 11, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

The Kings kneeling at Gandhi's Samadhi

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Trip to India Article in the Indian Express (Feb 12,1959) by Indian ExpressThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

"Martin Luther King's Trip to India" article published by Indian Express (February 12 1959)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Speaks at Sapru House (Feb 11, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

James Bristol recalled one of King's earliest public meetings in India: "A public meeting at Sapru House was well attended, and Dr. King's first major address in India was well received ... An excellent evening of discussion both about Gandhi as people there had known him, and about the application of Gandhian principles to the India of 1959."

(Notes from the "Tour Diary of James Bristol," February-March 1959)

On February 11th, King attended a public meeting at Sapru House

Coretta Scott King singing at Sapru House (Feb 11, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Coretta Scott King sang at Sapru House.

Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. from S.K. Trikha at Delhi University (Feb 11, 1959) by S.K. TrikhaThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Letter from S.K. Trikha, a Delhi University Student

Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. from S.K. Trikha at Delhi University (Feb 11, 1959) by S.K. TrikhaThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Letter from S.K. Trikha, a Delhi University Student

Bodh Gaya 2/14

After leaving Delhi in the early hours of 13 February, King and his travel companions spent the morning in Patna, capital of the state of Bihar, before catching the train to Gaya. The following day, they toured the Buddhist holy sites of Gaya and Bodh Gaya before leaving for the rural ashram of Indian activist Jayaprakash Narayan.

Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. from Wonwihari Prasad Bhoop (Feb 21, 1959) by Wonwihari Prasad BhoopThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

In the following letter Bhoop, who had met King in Gaya, offered to translate "Stride Toward Freedom" into Hindi and arrange for its distribution. King replied to this letter on 14 July: "I am greatly concerned about my book being read in India because of the inspiration that came to me from that great country, and above all because of the fact that I have tried in some little way to follow the noble insights and principles of Mahatma Gandhi." King, however, declined Bhoop’s offer, stating that he had already signed a contract with Navajivan Press to translate his book into Hindi and Gujarati.

Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. from T.K.N., Unnithan, a student at the University of Delhi (Feb 15, 1959) by T.K.N. UnnithanThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

T.K.N. Unnithan, student at the Delhi School of Economics, expressed his gratitude towards King for speaking with him in Delhi.

Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. from T.K.N., Unnithan, a student at the University of Delhi, T.K.N. Unnithan, Feb 15, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. from T.K.N., Unnithan, a student at the University of Delhi, T.K.N. Unnithan, Feb 15, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. from T.K.N., Unnithan, a student at the University of Delhi, T.K.N. Unnithan, Feb 15, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Burdwan and Shantiniketan 2/15

King arrived in Burdwan and drove to Shantiniketan (pictured), a center founded by Indian poet Gurudez Tagore, where he addressed a small gathering. 

Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Lawrence Dunbar Reddick, Sucheta Kripalani, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari and others at Rajagopalachari's home. (Feb 18, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Calcutta 2/16-2/17

After visiting Burdwan and Bolpur on February 15, the Kings stayed at Calcutta for two days, where they first met 25 of Calcutta’s labour union leaders. 

Letter to Martin Luther king, Jr. from D. M. Kelly (Feb 17, 1959) by D. M. Kelly (National Baptist Andhra Christian Convention)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

D. M. Kelly, a leader of the National Baptist Andhra Christian Convention, wrote to Dr. King and Mrs. King to extend an invitation for their visit to his town.

King speaks to the student body in Madras (1959-02-18)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Madras 2/18-2/19

King held a press conference after arriving in Madras (pictured). He was a guest at Governor Bishnuram Medhi’s residence, Raj Bhavan, and he also met Swami Vishwananda, an individual at the heart of the nonviolent movement working to eradicate "untouchability" ideologies.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, James E. Bristol, Swami Vishwananda, and others at Madras, India. (Feb 18, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

The Kings with Swami Vishwananda, secretary of the Gurukul ashram (1935-1955) and of the Harijan Sevak Sangh (1942-1955), an organization dedicated to the nonviolent eradication of untouchability.

King visited Rajagopalachari and Mahabalipuram, a historic town in the southeastern Indian state near Calcutta.

Gandhigram 2/20 

King arrived at Gandhigram Rural Institute (pictured) and attended a Shanti Sena (Peace Army) rally in the morning. At the conclusion of the Friday afternoon prayer, King delivered remarks. In the evening, he gave an address at Gandhigram and attended a cultural program.

"With the Kings in India, A Souvenir of Dr. Martin Luther King's Visit to India, February-March 1959", Gandhi Memorial Centre, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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"With the Kings in India, A Souvenir of Dr. Martin Luther King's Visit to India, February-March 1959", Gandhi Memorial Centre, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Madurai, Harijan, and Gramdan Villages 2/21

The Gramdan villages offered an opportunity for the Kings to walk through and converse with the villagers. King shared policy-making decisions and engaged in lengthy discussions with National Extension Service workers who provided technical and service aid. In Madurai, the Kings were astonished by the Hindu temples (pictured).

Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. from Wonwihari Prasad Bhoop, Wonwihari Prasad Bhoop, Feb 21, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Trivandrum 2/22-2/23

King later discussed his personal reflections upon interacting with Gandhi's close comrades: "The trip had a great impact upon me personally. It was wonderful to be in Gandhi's land, to talk with his son, his grandsons, his cousin and other relatives; to share the reminiscences of his close comrades; to visit his ashram (pictured), to see the countless memorials for him and finally to lay a wreath on his entombed ashes at Rajghat" ("My Trip to the Land of Gandhi," Martin Luther King, Jr., July 1959).

One afternoon, King briefly journeyed to nearby Cape Comorin (pictured) at India's southern tip. "This is the point where the land of India ends and the vast and rolling waters of the ocean have their beginning. It is one of the most beautiful points in the world. The point where three great bodies of water meet together in all of their majestic splendor: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean."

("A Walk Through the Holy Land," Easter Sunday Sermon Delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Martin Luther King, Jr., March 29, 1959)

Bangalore 2/24 - 2/26

Flying directly to Bangalore, the Kings visited the home of the Chief Minister of Mysore State and conducted discussions on India's economic development, specifically regarding the diverse approaches in promoting industrial growth. King held a meaningful public meeting at the Institute of World Culture (pictured), during which he reflected upon the warm welcome he had received on his trip. 

Bombay 2/27 - 2/28

In Bombay, King found a deeper connection with Gandhi after staying in his home at Mani Bhavan (pictured). During a later reflection, King recalled: "We had the opportunity to share our views with thousands of Indian people through endless conversations and numerous discussion sessions" ("My Trip to the Land of Gandhi," Martin Luther King, Jr., July 1959).

Mani Bhavan (2009-02-19) by Clayborne CarsonThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

The interior of Gandhi's Bombay home, Mani Bhavan

King's Signature and Remarks on Mani Bhavan's Guest Book, 1959-02-28, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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"My Trip to the Land of Gandhi", Martin Luther King, Jr., 1959-07, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Martin Luther King reflected upon his meeting with African students in Bombay.

Martin Luther King with Vinoba Bhave, the "Second Gandhi" (1959-03-01)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Ahmedabad and Kishingarh 3/1 - 3/3

The Kings flew directly to the Sabarmati Ashram, where Gandhi lived during his work to construct India's new social order and began his 1930 Salt March in defiance of the British government. Swami Vishwananda recalled that “the Kings had a great experience going round the hallowed place and meeting in prayer the six hundred” residents, many of whom were untouchables. Following his visit to the ashram, King visited Vinoba Bhave (pictured), the leader of India's Bhoodan movement. 

"Dr. Martin Luther King with Vinoba", Vinoba, Bhave, Mar 18, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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"Dr. Martin Luther King with Vinoba", Vinoba, Bhave, Mar 18, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Vinoba Bhave's article on his meeting with King

Ike (1959-12) by Paul SchutzerLIFE Photo Collection

Agra 3/04

James Bristol highlighted the Kings' wonderment upon visiting the Taj Mahal: "Our first and only day of sight-seeing. The Taj Mahal (pictured) enthralled us in the morning; the Fort proved fascinating in the afternoon, before catching Punjab Mail to Delhi." (Notes from the "Tour Diary of James Bristol," February—March 1959).

Taj Mahal in Agra

Martin Luther King, Jr., Miss Shanta,Tina Bristol, J.B. Kripalani, Coretta Scott King and James E. Bristol at a dinner in New Delhi (Mar 9, 1959)The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

New Delhi 3/5 - 3/10

For their final stop in India, the Kings met with Sushila Nayar, the sister of Gandhi's personal secretary. They also held several press conferences and revisited Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. When King's brief pilgrimage came to a close, he planned to bring the lessons that he learned back to the United States. 

King Meets with CircusThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

King immensely enjoyed the South Indian circus after returning to New Delhi, returning for a second show after lunch with Rajkumari Amrit Kaur on March 7th.

"Impressions of India" (Mar 6, 1959) by Martin Luther King, Jr.The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

King's notes for his final address on CBS

"Mahatma's Spirit Lives in India: Negro Leader's Impressions", Hindustan Times, Mar 9, 1959, From the collection of: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project
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Hindustan Times captured how King fostered deeper connections with Gandhian philosophies during the trip.

"Farewell Statement" (Mar 9, 1959) by Martin Luther King, JrThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

Before departing India, King made a farewell statement to the Indian public on All India Radio.

"Statement of Dr. Martin Luther King Upon Landing at New York City" (Mar 18, 1959) by Martin Luther King, JrThe Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute at Stanford University | The World House Project

New York 3/18

After traveling through the Middle East, visiting Karachi, Beirut, Damascus and Jerusalem, the Kings finally arrived back in New York on March 18th. Upon arrival, King made a public statement (pictured) discussing his immediate reflections from India. 

Credits: Story

Selina Zhang
Prof. Clayborne Carson
Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute

Credits: All media
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