Final answer:
Mohandas Gandhi was a pivotal figure in India's independence struggle through non-violent protest, influencing global civil rights movements. Shiv Sena is a regional Indian political party known for its Hindu nationalist and pro-Marathi advocacy, significantly shaping the political discourse in Maharashtra.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mohandas Gandhi's Historical Significance
Mohandas Gandhi was a key figure in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule in the first half of the 20th century. His approach of non-violent civil disobedience made him a global icon for peaceful resistance against oppression. He was instrumental in the Congress Party's transition into a mass movement aiming for Indian self-rule. His tactics included the famous Salt March protest against the British salt monopoly, symbolizing the Indian fight for autonomy. Gandhi's legacy includes influencing movements for freedom and civil rights worldwide, notably affecting the decolonization process and inspiring leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States.
Significance of Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena, a regional Indian political party founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966, initially emerged from a movement advocating for the rights of the native Marathi-speaking population of Maharashtra state. Its historical significance lies in its strong influence on the politics of Maharashtra, including its capital city Mumbai (formerly Bombay), where it has been at the helm of the city's municipal corporation for many years. However, Shiv Sena's politics have often been marked by aggressive advocacy for Hindu nationalism and a pro-Marathi ideology, leading to numerous controversies and altercations in India's diverse socio-political landscape.