Who was Kasturba Gandhi? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Indian Celebrities Born In April

Also Known As: Ba, Kasturbai Makhanji

Died At Age: 74

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Mahatma Gandhi

father: Gokuladas Kapadia

mother: Vrajkunwerba Kapadia

children: Devdas Gandhi, Harilal Gandhi, Manilal Gandhi, Ramdas Gandhi

Political Activists Indian Women

Died on: February 22, 1944

place of death: Pune

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1

What was Kasturba Gandhi's role in India's freedom struggle?

Kasturba Gandhi played a significant role in India's freedom struggle alongside her husband, Mahatma Gandhi. She actively participated in various movements and campaigns, advocating for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
2

How did Kasturba Gandhi support Mahatma Gandhi's social reforms?

Kasturba Gandhi supported Mahatma Gandhi's social reforms by working alongside him in various social and political movements, such as the Champaran and Kheda Satyagrahas. She was involved in empowering women and promoting education and social equality.
3

What challenges did Kasturba Gandhi face as a female activist in the early 20th century?

Kasturba Gandhi faced numerous challenges as a female activist in the early 20th century, including societal restrictions on women's roles, lack of formal education, and criticism for her involvement in political activities. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to her ideals and beliefs.
4

How did Kasturba Gandhi contribute to the promotion of women's rights in India?

Kasturba Gandhi contributed to the promotion of women's rights in India by actively participating in movements for social reform, education, and empowerment of women. She advocated for gender equality and challenged traditional gender norms through her actions and words.
5

What was Kasturba Gandhi's impact on the Indian independence movement?

Kasturba Gandhi's impact on the Indian independence movement was significant, as she played a crucial role in mobilizing women and communities to participate in nonviolent protests and civil disobedience campaigns. Her dedication and commitment to the cause inspired many others to join the struggle for freedom.

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Childhood & Early Life

Kasturba was born on April 11, 1869, in Porbandar, to Gokuldas Makanji, a merchant, and his wife Vrajkunwerba Kapadia. Not much is known about her early life except for a few basic facts.

Her father was a friend of Karamchand Gandhi, the father of Mohandas Gandhi. Both the men decided to get their children married in order to bring their families closer.

Child marriage was a commonly practiced custom in 19th century India and thus the marriage of Kasturba was fixed with Mohandas, and the children were betrothed to each other when they were seven years old.

The young couple got married in 1882 and started living together as husband and wife. Initially they got to know each other as friends and played together before they became mature and realized the actual implications of married life.

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Later Years

Kasturba was illiterate at the time of her marriage and Mohandas took it upon himself to educate her. He painstakingly taught her the alphabets, and taught her to write. But she could not learn much because of her domestic responsibilities and also because she did not share her husband’s enthusiasm for education.

With time their relationship evolved and soon she gave birth to her first son, Harilal, in 1888. When Mohandas left India to study in London, she could not accompany him as she had to stay back to raise their son.

Over the next few years she remained deeply involved in familial chores and gave birth to two more sons: Manilal in 1892 and Ramdas in 1897.

Her husband meanwhile was gaining in fame due to his political activism. She too worked closely with her husband and accompanied him to South Africa when he went there to practice law in 1897. She gave birth to the couple’s fourth son, Devadas, in 1900.

Since Mohandas was busy in political activism, he was unable to give their sons much of his time. So a major portion of the great responsibility of raising the sons also fell upon the young mother’s shoulders.

By this time she too was actively involved in socio-political issues, but in spite of this fact, she tried her best to be a caring mother to her four sons.

Mohandas took the oath of celibacy and chastity in 1906. Kasturba who had always wholeheartedly supported her husband agreed to this and the couple never had any sexual relations henceforth.

She became passionately involved in activism in the Phoenix Settlement near Durban during the 1910s. She participated in the 1913 protest against working conditions for Indians in South Africa and was arrested and sentenced to three months in a hard labor prison.

Mohandas returned to India in 1915 to support Indian independence movement and ever the supportive wife, she accompanied him back to India. She also became involved in social service and taught reading, writing, health and hygiene.

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As her husband became more deeply involved in political causes and protest, she joined him and became his pillar of support. Her involvement in national and social causes motivated other women to join the socio-political movements that were gaining momentum in India.

Due to her political activism and because of her association with Mohandas Gandhi, she became a very popular figure in India and people respectfully addressed her as “Ba”.

Over the course of her activism she was arrested many times, but nothing could deter her indomitable spirit. During her later years she began suffering from ill-health yet she continued to support her husband until her last breath.

Personal Life & legacy

She had been married to Mohandas Gandhi for over six decades, yet only a few details about their marriage are known to the world. Even though a remarkable woman with an independent streak, her works were always overshadowed by those of her more famous husband’s.

She suffered from two heart attacks in January 1944 and never recovered fully. She died on 22 February 1944, in the arms of her husband.

Facts About Kasturba Gandhi

Kasturba Gandhi was known for her strong will and determination, often standing up for what she believed in despite facing opposition.

She was a skilled spinner and weaver, actively participating in the Indian independence movement by promoting the use of locally made cloth.

Kasturba Gandhi was a devoted mother to her children, providing them with love and support even during challenging times.

She had a deep spiritual side, engaging in prayer and meditation as a source of strength and guidance.

Kasturba Gandhi was an advocate for women's rights and social reform, working alongside her husband, Mahatma Gandhi, to improve the status of women in society.

Kasturba Gandhi Biography

You wanted to know

What was Kasturba Gandhi's role in India's freedom struggle?

How did Kasturba Gandhi support Mahatma Gandhi's social reforms?

What challenges did Kasturba Gandhi face as a female activist in the early 20th century?

How did Kasturba Gandhi contribute to the promotion of women's rights in India?

What was Kasturba Gandhi's impact on the Indian independence movement?