New Delhi, April 10: The journey of Mahatma Gandhi to becoming a great leader often overlooks a significant name. This individual was his greatest support and strength. She was the only person deeply connected to Gandhi’s life, someone who could challenge him and point out his mistakes. We are talking about Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s wife and a social worker, affectionately known as ‘Ba’ by the nation.
Born on April 11, 1869, in Porbandar, Kasturba was the daughter of Gokuldas and Vrajkunwar. Her father was a prominent trader involved in the grain, textile, and cotton markets of Africa and the Middle East, and he had also served as the mayor of Porbandar. This family was closely associated with Mohandas Gandhi’s father, Karamchand, who was the Dewan of Porbandar. The parents of both families strengthened their friendship by arranging their children’s marriage. The engagement took place when they were just seven years old, and they married in 1882 when she was only 13.
‘Ba’ was not just Mahatma Gandhi’s wife; she was a personality in her own right, whose brilliance was not overshadowed by Bapu’s immense presence. She was both a wife and an independent woman. Evidence of this can be found in various instances. According to the website ‘MK Gandhi.org’, historian Vinay Lal notes, “Kasturba never easily accepted her husband’s wishes, and Gandhi’s autobiography is a remarkable testament to her determination and independent decision-making, as well as the sharp disagreements that arose when he tried to control her during the first two decades of their marriage.”
During Gandhi’s long travels to England and South Africa, Kasturba had to endure years of separation from him. Managing the responsibilities of their two young children, she patiently navigated this long period. Due to her lack of literacy, exchanging messages was a significant challenge. Historian Aparna Basu states that ‘Ba’ was filled with both physical and moral courage. Whether overcoming serious illnesses, facing early struggles in South Africa, or enduring harsh prison conditions, she confronted every situation with resilience. Indeed, during her imprisonment, she became a source of strength and inspiration for her fellow female prisoners.
In 1914, when Gandhi and Kasturba returned permanently to India, and Gandhi entered the political arena in 1917, she emerged more prominently as a political activist. Gandhi himself wrote in his biography, “From my previous experiences, I found her to be quite stubborn. Despite my pressures, she acted according to her own will, leading to periods of separation between us. However, as my public life grew, my wife’s personality blossomed, and she willingly dedicated herself to my work.”
She was known for her simple and gentle nature, with her strength reflecting in her kindness. For years, she faced the challenges of her husband’s various roles. She supported him in the quest for social, economic, and political equality for Indians in India and earlier in South Africa.
Historians note that she was among the first satyagrahis, or nonviolent resistors, sent from Phoenix to Transvaal to oppose the South African government’s decision to invalidate all non-Christian marriages.
Her commitment to the freedom struggle was not merely a support for Mahatma Gandhi but a profound attachment. She had become Kastur ‘Ba’. Mahatma Gandhi regarded her as the one who taught him the first lesson of nonviolence.
As the Quit India Movement gained momentum, Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned before addressing a rally at Shivaji Park near Bombay. Anticipating that the police would also detain Kasturba, he wanted her to take his place.
On her way to the rally, she was stopped. That day, a hundred thousand people were present in the park, and they erupted in excitement upon seeing her, but she was taken into custody and sent to Arthur Road Jail in Bombay. Kasturba told Sushila Nair, “I feel I may not return alive.”
The cell where she was held was filthy, and she fell ill. A few days later, she was moved to Aga Khan Palace in Pune, where Mahatma Gandhi was also detained. This was her final imprisonment.
On the evening of February 22, 1944, she took her last breath in Bapu’s lap at the Aga Khan Palace detention camp, and her last rites were performed on February 23, 1944, within the camp premises.
Her husband watched the funeral pyre until the end, and when someone suggested he rest, he replied, “This is the final farewell, the end of 62 years of shared life. Please let me stay here until the last rites are complete.” That evening, after prayers, he said, “I cannot imagine life without Ba.”
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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