Kasturba Gandhi (born Kasturba Makhanji; 11 April 1869 – 22 February 1944) was an Indian political activist and the wife of Mahatma Gandhi. She played a significant role in India’s independence movement, participating in non‑violent protests, civil disobedience campaigns, and social reform initiatives alongside her husband.
Early life and marriage
Kasturba was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, into a merchant family. At the age of 13, she married Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was 14 at the time. The couple had four sons: Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, and Devdas.
Political involvement
Kasturba’s involvement in political activism began in the early 20th century. She supported Gandhi’s experiments with satyagraha (non‑violent resistance) and was active in the following movements:
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Assisted in organizing local women and encouraging participation in the protest against oppressive plantation policies.
- Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Helped mobilize women to protest against excessive taxation and crop failure.
- Non‑Cooperation Movement (1920–1922): Organized and led women’s groups, promoting boycotts of British goods and schools.
- Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934): Participated in protests, including the Salt March, and was imprisoned several times for defying colonial law.
- Quit India Movement (1942): Arrested at the age of 73, she was detained in the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, where she died in custody in 1944.
Social reform work
Kasturba advocated for women’s education, health, and the upliftment of marginalized communities. She supported the promotion of khadi (hand‑spun cloth) and encouraged the adoption of simple living practices within Indian homes.
Legacy
Kasturba Gandhi is remembered for her steadfast commitment to non‑violent resistance and her role in expanding women’s participation in India’s struggle for independence. Numerous institutions, streets, and memorials in India bear her name, commemorating her contributions to the nation’s freedom movement and social reform.
