Guwahati: Although Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's wife Kasturba (1883-1944) is mainly known as his supporting shadow who gave moral support to 'Bapu' as he fought the colonial rulers from the frontlines, there is much more to her than meets the eye. In fact, had she not been overshadowed by her more popular husband, she would have been duly recognized for what she truly was: a resilient freedom fighter who fought for the empowerment of the marginalized classes of society.
How were her early years of marriage with M K Gandhi?
It is a well-known fact that Kasturba Makhanji Kapadia, who belonged to an affluent family, was married off to M K Gandhi at the tender age of 13. Although their's was an arranged marriage, the Gandhi couple set an example for the ages through their sheer capacity to love and support each other, even when the going got tough.
MK Gandhi, in his autobiography, has documented his early reaction to getting married thus: " I do not think it meant to me anything more than the prospect of good clothes to wear, drum beating, marriage processions, rich dinners, and a strange girl to play with."
However, Kasturba never wrote her feelings down, thus we can only speculate how marriage -- at such a tender age -- impacted her.
Her husband would often suspect Kasturba without reason and did not allow her to go anywhere without his permission. This led to many quarrels between them as Kasturba resented being restricted in this manner.
The ideal of "disobedience" was ingrained in Kasturba from a very tender age, and she was a free-willed woman who wished for freedom and independence.
What was Kasturba's educational qualification?
Unlike her husband, Kasturba did not have any fancy educational qualifications to show. The woman did not receive any formal education. However, she was always curious about learning and remained a fast learner throughout her life.
How did Kasturba get involved with politics?
Kasturba first involved herself with politics in South Africa in 1904 when, with her husband and others, she established the Phoenix Settlement near Durban.
As we all know, Gandhi was one of the most prominent figures in the apartheid movement, and some of that influence seems to have rubbed off on his wife.
Kasturba was even arrested on September 23, 1913 for taking part in a protest against the ill-treatment of Indian immigrants in South Africa.
The Gandhis returned to India in 1914, where, in spite of suffering from chronic bronchitis, Kasturba continued to take part in protests and agitations against the British rulers.
Not many people know this, but Mr. Gandhi's other half often took his spot in the freedom movements whenever he was in prison.
However, most of her time was dedicated to helping out and serving in ashrams.
In 1917, Kasturba worked on the welfare of women in Champaran, Bihar where Gandhi was working with indigo farmers. She taught women hygiene, discipline, health, reading and writing.
In the ensuing years, Kasturba's deteriorating health posited a major problem for her. However, she participated in a Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) movement in Borsad, Gujarat.
Kasturba Gandhi, over the years, became an integral part of the Indian Freedom Movement and continued to participate in civil disobedience campaigns and marches.
Women across India looked up to Kasturba for inspiration, and would often request her to lead marches and protests.
In 1942, Kasturba was arrested again, along with Gandhi and other freedom fighters for participating in the 'Quit India' movement. After a lifetime of struggles and protests, the inspirational freedom fighter finally breathed her last in Aga Khan Palace in Pune, where she had been imprisoned.
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