During the period of 1917-1922, Mahatma Gandhi played a significant role as a people's leader in India. He emerged as a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle and became the face of the Indian National Congress.

Gandhi's leadership during this time was characterized by his emphasis on non-violent civil disobedience and his ability to mobilize the masses. He believed in the power of peaceful protests and civil disobedience to bring about social and political change.

One of his notable achievements during this period was the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917. He organized a protest against the oppressive indigo plantation system in Champaran, Bihar, and successfully negotiated for the rights of the farmers. This event marked the beginning of his Satyagraha movement in India.

Gandhi also played a crucial role in the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918, where he supported the peasants in Gujarat who were unable to pay their taxes due to a crop failure. Through non-violent protest and negotiations with the British authorities, he was able to secure some relief for the peasants.

In 1919, Gandhi launched the Rowlatt Satyagraha, a nationwide protest against the Rowlatt Act, which allowed for the arrest and detention of Indians without trial. The protests were met with brutal repression by the British authorities, leading to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, where hundreds of innocent Indians were killed. This incident further galvanized the Indian masses and increased their support for Gandhi's leadership.

In 1920, Gandhi led the Non-Cooperation Movement, which called for Indians to boycott British institutions, schools, and products. This movement gained widespread support and participation from the Indian population, marking a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle. However, Gandhi called off the movement in 1922, following the Chauri Chaura incident, where a group of protesters turned violent and attacked police officers.

Overall, Gandhi's role as a people's leader from 1917-1922 was instrumental in galvanizing the Indian masses and mobilizing them for the cause of independence. His emphasis on non-violence and civil disobedience inspired millions of Indians to join the freedom struggle and paved the way for future movements and leaders in India's fight for independence.