The Indian leader that emphasized nonviolent civil disobedience was Mahatma Gandhi. He became a pivotal figure in the Indian struggle for independence from British rule, advocating for peaceful protests, nonviolent resistance, and civil disobedience as means to challenge colonial authority. Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa (nonviolence) and his ability to mobilize millions in peaceful demonstrations, such as the Salt March in 1930, significantly influenced not just India but also civil rights movements worldwide. His commitment to nonviolent methods in the face of oppression inspired future leaders and remains a powerful legacy in the pursuit of justice and social change.