The famous leader associated with the philosophy of civil disobedience in India was Mahatma Gandhi. He championed nonviolent resistance as a means to oppose British colonial rule, advocating for civil rights and social reform. Gandhi's philosophy emphasized the power of peaceful protest and moral persuasion over violent means. His methods inspired many across the globe, influencing civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States. Through campaigns such as the Salt March and various non-cooperation movements, Gandhi played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement, promoting the idea that individuals could challenge unjust laws without resorting to violence.