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.
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