Gandhi's Autobiography - Experiment with Truth - Chapter 1,2,3 - Summary and Analysis - Essays and Paragraphs

 About author and work

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as Mahatma Gandhi, is one of the most influential figures in modern history, revered for his unwavering commitment to non-violence, truth, and social justice. Born in 1869 in Porbandar, India, Gandhi's life was marked by a relentless pursuit of ethical living and a profound dedication to improving the lives of others. His autobiography, "The Story of My Experiments with Truth," originally written in Gujarati and later translated into numerous languages, offers a deeply personal account of his journey towards understanding and embodying the principle of truth (Satya). Published in several instalments between 1925 and 1929, the text not only chronicles his public life and pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence but also delves into the intimate aspects of his personal growth, moral dilemmas, and philosophical reflections. Through his honest and introspective narrative, Gandhi provides readers with invaluable insights into the development of his ethical framework and the enduring legacy of his teachings.

Summary

In the first chapter("Birth and Parentage") of "The Story of My Experiments with Truth," Mahatma Gandhi begins by reflecting on his childhood and early influences. He describes his birth in Porbandar , a small coastal town in Gujarat, India, on October 2, 1869. Gandhi discusses his family background, mentioning his father, Karamchand Gandhi, who worked as the diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar, and his mother, Putlibai, who was deeply religious and had a significant impact on his spiritual development.

Gandhi recalls his early years as a shy and timid child, describing his fear of ghosts and snakes. He also narrates an incident where he stole a piece of gold from his brother, which haunted him with feelings of guilt and remorse. This experience planted the seeds of truthfulness and honesty in his character, shaping his moral values. Additionally, Gandhi shares anecdotes about his family's religious practices, including their adherence to Hindu traditions and his mother's devoutness. He highlights the influence of Jainism, which his mother followed, and how it instilled in him the principles of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.

In  Chapter 2 (“Childhood”), Gandhi discusses his childhood, stating that he was a shy and timid boy who was greatly influenced by his mother's teachings of truthfulness, non-violence, and vegetarianism. He shares anecdotes from his childhood, highlighting incidents that shaped his character and moral values. Throughout the chapter, Gandhi reflects on the customs and traditions of his community, as well as his early education and exposure to different religious beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of his family's religious background in shaping his worldview and ethical principles.

            Chapter 3 describes Gandhi's early marriage at thirteen, considered preposterous in Kathiawad. His elders decided to marry their three brothers simultaneously, focusing on convenience and economy. His father, a Diwan, was in favour of the Thakore Saheb, despite suffering severe injuries. His eagerness to marry and the father's actions are vividly remembered. The couple's first night together was tragic, as two innocent children unknowingly hurled themselves into the ocean of life.

Paragraph

1.   1.  Describe how Gandhi described about his child marriage.

In his autobiography Experiments with Truth, Gandhi describes his child marriage in detail. He explains that in Kathiawad, betrothal and marriage are separate rites, and he had been betrothed three times without his knowledge, as two of the girls chosen for him died. His actual marriage to Kasturbai happened when he was 13, along with his brother and cousin, as it was more economical and convenient for their families to have a triple wedding.

Gandhi reflects on the extensive preparations for the weddings, which included making clothes, preparing feasts, and other traditional customs. He recalls his father's dedication despite being injured in a coach accident just before the wedding. Gandhi was excited about the ceremony, the festivities, and the prospect of new clothes and rich dinners.

He admits that at the time, he was more interested in the excitement and physical pleasures of marriage than in the responsibilities it entailed. Gandhi remembers being coached on his behavior for the wedding night and describes the nervousness and shyness he and Kasturbai felt as young, innocent children thrown into married life. Over time, they got to know each other better, but Gandhi quickly took on the role of a dominant husband.

2.     Reflect on Gandhi’s commitment to truth even as a young boy.

In his autobiography Experiments with Truth, Gandhi recounts several significant incidents from his school years that highlight his early commitment to truth and his deep moral convictions.

One incident occurred during an examination in his first year of high school. An inspector had set a spelling test, and Gandhi misspelled the word "kettle." His teacher tried to prompt him to copy from a neighbour’s slate by nudging him with his boot, but Gandhi refused to cheat. He believed the teacher’s role was to prevent copying, not encourage it. As a result, Gandhi was the only student who spelled the word incorrectly. Despite his teacher later trying to make him see the error of not copying, Gandhi remained steadfast in his honesty. This incident did not lessen his respect for his teacher, as he was naturally inclined to overlook the faults of his elders and follow their orders without judgment.

Another memory that stayed with Gandhi involved a book his father bought called "Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka," which was about Shravana’s devotion to his parents. Gandhi read it with great interest and was deeply moved by the story and a picture he saw of Shravana carrying his blind parents on a pilgrimage. This example of devotion made a lasting impression on him.

A third impactful event was watching a play about Harishchandra, a king who epitomized truthfulness. Gandhi was captivated by the story and watched the play multiple times, becoming obsessed with Harishchandra’s unwavering commitment to truth despite severe trials. This story inspired Gandhi to emulate Harishchandra’s dedication to truth, which often brought him to tears. Even as an adult, Gandhi felt these stories deeply and saw them as living examples of moral virtue.

3.     3. Discuss the impact of religious upbringing on Gandhi’s philosophy and actions.

Gandhi's religious upbringing, as detailed in his autobiography Experiments with Truth, was significantly influenced by his mother, Putlibai, whose devout practices left a lasting impression on him. She was deeply religious and committed to her daily prayers and temple visits. Putlibai observed numerous religious vows and fasts with unwavering dedication, even during illness. Her strict observance of the Chaturmas vows, including fasting and dietary restrictions, showcased her strong will and spiritual discipline. She also practiced the Chandrayana vow, which involved fasting based on the lunar cycle, and even fasted until she saw the sun during the rainy season. Despite the challenges, she remained cheerful and steadfast in her faith. Gandhi's father, Kaba Gandhi, had limited religious training but regularly visited temples and listened to religious discourses. In his later years, he began reading the Gita, encouraged by a learned Brahman friend, and would recite verses during his daily worship. This religious environment at home profoundly influenced Gandhi's moral and spiritual development.

Essay

1.         The first three chapters set the stage for his later reflections on truth, morality, and his experiments with living a life of simplicity and integrity. Substantiate.

2.  Analyse how the concept of truth is introduced and developed in Gandhi’s childhood.

In his autobiography Experiemnts with Truth, Gandhi provides several anecdotes from his childhood that illustrate how the concept of truth was introduced and developed in his early years. These stories reveal a young Gandhi who is deeply influenced by the principles of honesty and integrity, which would later become central to his philosophy.

One significant incident occurred during an examination in his first year of high school. When tasked with spelling the word "kettle," Gandhi misspelled it. His teacher, Mr. Giles, tried to covertly prompt him to copy the correct spelling from a neighbouring student. However, Gandhi refused to cheat, believing that the teacher’s role was to prevent such actions, not to encourage them. Despite being the only student to spell the word incorrectly, Gandhi remained steadfast in his commitment to honesty. This episode highlights his early understanding of truth as an absolute value, one that should not be compromised even under pressure or for the sake of conformity.

Gandhi's concept of truth was further shaped by his engagement with literature and drama. Two specific works left a profound impact on him:

1. Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka: Gandhi read this play, which depicted Shravana’s devotion to his parents, with intense interest. The story and accompanying imagery of Shravana carrying his blind parents on a pilgrimage deeply moved him. The dedication and truthfulness of Shravana's character served as a moral exemplar for young Gandhi, embedding in him the values of duty and honesty.

2. Play of Harishchandra: The play about Harishchandra, a king known for his unwavering commitment to truth, captivated Gandhi. He was so inspired by Harishchandra’s adherence to truth despite severe trials that he internalized the story and often imagined himself in the role. The ideal of truthfulness portrayed in the play resonated with Gandhi, reinforcing his belief in the importance of truth and the virtue of living a life guided by it.

Gandhi’s reflections on these stories reveal how deeply they influenced his young mind. The moral lessons from Shravana and Harishchandra became living realities for him, shaping his aspirations and guiding his behaviour. His idealization of these characters and their commitment to truth planted the seeds for his later dedication to Satyagraha (truth-force), which became the cornerstone of his approach to social and political activism.

In conclusion, the concept of truth in Gandhi’s childhood is introduced through personal experiences and moral stories that deeply influenced him. His refusal to cheat during the spelling test illustrates an early commitment to honesty. The stories of Shravana and Harishchandra provided powerful examples of living truthfully, leaving an indelible mark on his developing conscience. These formative experiences and reflections laid the foundation for Gandhi’s lifelong pursuit of truth and integrity, shaping his philosophy and actions in profound ways.

3.  Examine the role of Gandhi’s parents in shaping his charismatic personality.

In his autobiography Experiments with Truth, Gandhi offers a detailed account of his family background and early life, shedding light on the influences that shaped his character and values. The Gandhis, originally grocers of the Bania caste, had risen to prominence over three generations, with Gandhi's grandfather and father serving as Prime Ministers in various Kathiawad states. His grandfather, Uttamchand Gandhi, demonstrated strong principles, as shown by his defiant salute to the Nawab of Junagadh with his left hand, symbolizing his loyalty to Porbandar.

Gandhi’s father, Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Kaba Gandhi, was a man of integrity and loyalty. He held various important positions, including being a member of the influential Rajasthanik Court and serving as Prime Minister in Rajkot and Vankaner. Despite marrying four times due to the deaths of his previous wives, Kaba Gandhi maintained a reputation for impartiality and dedication to his duties. His loyalty was evident when he refused to apologize to an Assistant Political Agent who insulted his chief, resulting in a brief detention.

Although Kaba Gandhi had limited formal education, his practical experience and common sense made him adept at solving complex issues and managing people. He lacked extensive religious training but began reading the Gita later in life, influenced by a learned Brahman friend. Gandhi’s mother, Putlibai, left a profound impression on him with her saintliness and unwavering religious devotion. She adhered to strict religious vows and fasting, displaying remarkable discipline and faith, even in times of illness. Her commonsense and intelligence were respected by the ladies of the court, and she often engaged in lively discussions with the widowed mother of the Thakore Saheb.

Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, where he spent his early childhood. His initial years of education were unremarkable, characterized by difficulty with multiplication tables and mischief with his classmates. This modest beginning, marked by a sluggish intellect and raw memory, contrasted sharply with the profound moral and spiritual development that would later define Gandhi’s life. These early influences from his principled father and devout mother laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to truth, integrity, and service.