Kasturba Gandhi

Kasturba Gandhi (* April 11, 1869, † February 22, 1944 ), born Kasturba Makthaji, affectionately known as " Ba " (Mother ), was the wife of Mohandas Gandhi.

Life

Kasturba Makthaji was born in Gujarat, Vaishnav. There they lived for several years with her ​​family, who enjoyed a high reputation. At the age of seven, she was engaged to the same age Mohandas Gandhi, who also came from the Bania caste. In 1882, she was married at the age of thirteen. At sixteen, she had their first child, but died after a few days. More children were Harilal (1888-1948), Manilal (1892-1956), Ramdas (1897-1969) and Devdas ( 1900 to 1957 ).

Political career

Kasturba Gandhi stood by her husband during political demonstrations to the side. It had a great strength of will and frequently defied even her inexperienced imperious husband who demanded obedience from her.

In 1897, she traveled with her husband to South Africa. From 1904 to 1914 she lived in the Phoenix Settlement near Durban. During the protest movement, which in 1913 was directed against the working conditions for Indians in South Africa, Kasturba was arrested and imprisoned for three months in a forced labor prison. When Gandhi returned to India in 1915 to support indigo planters, Kasturba accompanied him. In India, Kasturba Gandhi spoke on behalf of her husband at meetings when he was imprisoned. She taught hygiene and taught reading and writing for women and children.

Illness and death

Kasturba suffering from chronic bronchitis. In January 1944 she suffered two heart attacks. She was now most of the time confined to her bed. Even there they tortured pain and shortness of breath often prevented them from sleeping. After much hesitation, the government sent a specialist of traditional Indian medicine to her, but her condition improved only briefly. She died in the presence of her husband.