Kasturba Gandhi was born on April 11, 1869, in a small town in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. She was the daughter of Vrajkunwerba and Gokuladas Kapadia. Growing up, Kasturba was influenced by her parents' strong sense of community and social responsibility.
At the young age of thirteen, Kasturba was married to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who would later be known as Mahatma Gandhi. It was an arranged marriage, typical for the time and culture. The couple went on to have four sons named Harilal, Manilal, Ramdas, and Devdas. Despite their young age at marriage, Kasturba and Gandhi formed a strong bond and partnership that would last a lifetime.
In the early 1900s, Kasturba and Gandhi moved to South Africa, where Gandhi had been offered a job. It was here that Kasturba began her involvement in political activism. She joined her husband in advocating for the rights of Indians living in South Africa and was even imprisoned for her participation in a labor protest. Kasturba's courage and dedication to the cause made her an integral part of the Indian community's fight for equality.
As Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a leader in the Indian Independence Movement, Kasturba stood by his side, offering her unwavering support and contributing her own efforts to the cause. She was actively involved in the nonviolent resistance movement, organizing women's groups and participating in protests and marches. Kasturba's role in the movement was significant, despite being often overlooked in historical accounts.
Kasturba Gandhi's legacy extends beyond her role as Mahatma Gandhi's wife. She was a dedicated activist in her own right, fighting for social justice and women's rights. Kasturba's willingness to sacrifice and her commitment to nonviolence and equality continue to inspire people around the world. Her contributions to the Indian Independence Movement are undeniable, and her importance in shaping the history of India cannot be overstated.
As a contemporary of the Nobel Prize-winning Indian author Rabindranath Tagore, Kasturba Gandhi had the opportunity to interact with him and other prominent figures of the time. Her connections with intellectuals and activists of the era further solidified her reputation as a key figure in the fight for independence and social reform.