Kasturba Gandhi

Born Kasturbai Gokuldas Kapadia on April 11, 1869, in Porbandar, India, Kasturba Gandhi belonged to the Gujarati Hindu tradesmen's Modh Bania caste. She wed Mohandas Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, in an arranged union when she was fourteen years old.

Because of prevailing norms, their early years as a couple were characterized by separations. Even though they were naive when it came to marriage, Mohandas was first manipulative and possessive in their relationship.

Chastity and Parenting Promise

Due to Mohandas's travels, Kasturba and Mohandas experienced occasional separations during their marriage, which produced four boys. As a conventional Hindu bride, Kasturba found Mohandas' 1906 pledge of virginity difficult to follow. Even so, they maintained a strong emotional bond throughout their protracted separation, and she grew to value their time spent together.

Participation in Politics

When Kasturba Gandhi and her husband assisted in founding the Phoenix Settlement close to Durban in 1904, she got her start in politics in South Africa. She was arrested and imprisoned in 1913 for her involvement in demonstrations against the oppression of Indian immigrants in South Africa. She also encouraged women to pursue education and led them in prayer. She carried on her activity after returning to India in 1914, frequently covering for her husband while he was detained. Because of her devotion, she was called "Ba" or Mother in Indian ashrams.

Legal Cases and Demonstrations

Throughout her life, Kasturba took an active part in a number of civic actions, such as satyagraha movements in Borsad, Gujarat, and campaigns for women's rights in Champaran, Bihar. Her unwavering dedication to nonviolent protest resulted in multiple incarcerations and arrests.

Health Issues and Demise

Kasturba had a history of severe bronchitis, made worse by delivery difficulties. When she fasted in 1908 while her husband was in jail, her health suffered greatly. She endured two heart attacks in January 1944, spending her last days in excruciating pain. She died on February 22, 1944, at the age of 74, in the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, despite attempts to rescue her.

Legacy

The memory of Kasturba Gandhi is perpetuated via the numerous organizations, highways, and towns bearing her name. One prominent example of this is the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust Fund, which provides assistance to women and children residing in rural areas of India. In popular culture, she is also honored with a play and a movie based on her life.

As a symbol of unshakable commitment to social and political issues, Kasturba Gandhi made a vital contribution to both the Indian independence movement and societal improvement.