Character Analysis
This dude is the author's nephew, and he becomes one of his uncle's foremost followers. In fact, Big G writes that:
Maganlal Gandhi left his business for good to cast in his lot with me, and by ability, sacrifice and devotion stands foremost among my original co-workers in my ethical experiments. As a self-taught handicraftsman his place among them is unique. (4.19.8)
He maintains order among his uncle's followers: "he made it his business to see that all the rules of the Phoenix Ashram should be scrupulously observed" (5.4.4).
Perhaps the most stand-out thing Maganlal Gandhi does is coin the word that becomes the basis for the term "Satyagraha." The elder Gandhi decides an original term is necessary to describe his type of civil disobedience, and he holds a contest. Maganlal Gandhi wins with the word "Sadagraha," meaning "truth-firmness" (4.26.2). His uncle adjusts it and coins his famous word "Satyagraha."
Maganlal Gandhi's relationship with the author goes to show the devotion the author's followers show him and reminds us that it takes a team to accomplish great things—even Mohandas K. Gandhi worked in a team.