Novels Exam  >  Novels Notes  >  The Story of My Experiments with Truth - Summary & Themes  >  Kasturbai Gandhi - Characters, The Story Of My Experiments With Truth

Kasturbai Gandhi - Characters, The Story Of My Experiments With Truth | The Story of My Experiments with Truth - Summary & Themes - Novels PDF Download

They say that behind every great man is a great woman…and Kasturbai Gandhi is no exception. From child bride to kick-butt behind-the-scenes wifey, she's pretty amazing.

But, Gandhi's wife plays a subordinate role to the autobiographer throughout his story; she's a great companion but is never really shown as an entity separate from Mr. G himself. The author explains her devotion to him by saying it's part of Hinduism:

A Hindu wife regards implicit obedience to her husband as the highest religion. A Hindu husband regards himself as lord and master of his wife who must ever dance attendance upon him. (3.1.2)

Kasturbai Gandhi still has a mind of her own, however. When they're first married, she disregards the unfair, jealous rule he lays down that she can only go places with his permission:

The restraint was virtually a sort of imprisonment. And Kasturbai was not the girl to brook any such thing. (1.4.2)

Get it, girl.

Kasturbai is very brave and sticks to her beliefs in other matters as well. When she's seriously ill, the doctor wants her to eat meat, but she says:

"I will not take beef tea. It is a rare thing in this world to be born as a human being, and I would far rather die in your arms than pollute my body with such abominations." (4.28.11)

Basically, she has the same defiance as her husband when it comes to maintaining vows and diet.

Despite her courage and independent streak, she's submissive to her husband. As just one example, when the family is headed to South Africa, he picks out her clothes: "I therefore determined the style of dress for my wife and children" (3.1.4). She also doesn't oppose his brahmacharya vow against sex, and when she receives gifts from the public for her husband's work, she acquiesces to his desire to return them to the community (3.12.22).

We don't learn much about Kasturbai or the rest of Gandhi's family in The Story of My Experiments with Truth. The focus is on its famous author.

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FAQs on Kasturbai Gandhi - Characters, The Story Of My Experiments With Truth - The Story of My Experiments with Truth - Summary & Themes - Novels

1. Who was Kasturbai Gandhi and what was her role in the Indian independence movement?
Ans. Kasturbai Gandhi, also known as Ba, was the wife of Mahatma Gandhi and played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. She actively participated in various nonviolent protests and campaigns alongside her husband, promoting the fight against British colonial rule. Kasturbai Gandhi was a symbol of strength and resilience, advocating for women's rights and social justice throughout her life.
2. How did Kasturbai Gandhi support Mahatma Gandhi in his experiments with truth?
Ans. Kasturbai Gandhi was not only a supportive wife but also an integral part of Mahatma Gandhi's experiments with truth. She stood by him during his struggles and provided a nurturing environment for his personal and spiritual growth. Kasturbai Gandhi played a vital role in shaping his principles and values, offering unwavering support and encouragement in the pursuit of truth and nonviolence.
3. What were the challenges faced by Kasturbai Gandhi during her involvement in the Indian independence movement?
Ans. Kasturbai Gandhi faced numerous challenges during her involvement in the Indian independence movement. She endured multiple imprisonments, separations from her family, and harsh living conditions. Kasturbai Gandhi also faced societal pressures and criticism for her active participation in political activities, as women's involvement in such movements was not widely accepted at the time. Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast in her commitment to the cause.
4. How did Kasturbai Gandhi contribute to women's rights and social justice in India?
Ans. Kasturbai Gandhi was a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice in India. She actively campaigned for the empowerment of women, promoting education and equal opportunities for all. Kasturbai Gandhi played a pivotal role in mobilizing women and encouraging their participation in the freedom struggle. She fought against discriminatory practices such as child marriage and gender inequality, striving for a more inclusive and equitable society.
5. What is the significance of Kasturbai Gandhi's role in the Indian independence movement?
Ans. Kasturbai Gandhi's role in the Indian independence movement was significant on multiple fronts. She not only supported Mahatma Gandhi in his endeavors but also actively participated in various nonviolent protests and campaigns. Kasturbai Gandhi symbolized the strength and resilience of Indian women, breaking societal norms and contributing to the fight against British colonial rule. Her dedication to truth, nonviolence, and equality continues to inspire generations and serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by women in shaping India's history.
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