# Abdulla Sheth — The Story of My Experiments with Truth character guide

> Abdulla Sheth in The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Abdulla Sheth, Sheth Abdulla, Financially Sheth Abdulla Haji Adam

**First appearance:** 0035-part-ii-viii-on-the-way-to-pretoria

## Snapshot

A shrewd Pretoria merchant who offers the young Gandhi lodging, legal briefs, and a first hard lesson in the politics of Indian identity abroad.

## Who they are

Abdulla Sheth is the prosperous Gujarati trader whose Pretoria establishment becomes Gandhi's base during his early South African years, a patron who can open doors and close them just as quickly. He is proud of his standing among the local Indian merchants yet bristles at the racial humiliations they all endure, and he tests Gandhi's convictions by expecting deference and communal loyalty in return for his help. Their friction over money, manners, and the meaning of Indian solidarity shapes Gandhi's first experiments in satyagraha and self-scrutiny, making Abdulla the practical counterweight to Gandhi's moral ambitions.

## Relationships

### [Virchand Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/virchand_gandhi)

_professional_

Abdulla Sheth and Virchand Gandhi were business associates and fellow leaders in the South African Indian community.

### [Virchand Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/virchand_gandhi)

_professional_

Abdulla Sheth and Virchand Gandhi were business associates and fellow leaders in the South African Indian community.

## In the story

### [Some Experiences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-vii-some-experiences)

Meets Gandhi at the port, expresses initial doubts about Gandhi's suitability, advises him on the turban issue, and provides insights into Indian social divisions.

### [On the Way to Pretoria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-viii-on-the-way-to-pretoria)

Assigns Gandhi to the Pretoria case, advises him on lodgings, and later assists him after the train incident.

### [More Hardships](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-ix-more-hardships)

Arranges for Gandhi's reception and wires ahead to assist his journey.

### [First Day in Pretoria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-x-first-day-in-pretoria)

Gandhi informs him of his arrival and lack of immediate work; had given Gandhi a description of Mr. Baker.

### [Religious Ferment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xv-religious-ferment)

Encourages Gandhi to study Islam and discusses its beauty.

### [Man Proposes, God Disposes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi-man-proposes-god-disposes)

Hosts the farewell party, explains the political apathy among Indians, and persuades Gandhi to stay.

### [Settled in Natal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii-settled-in-natal)

Hosts the meeting at his house and later purchases furniture for Gandhi.

### [Colour Bar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii-colour-bar)

Provides an affidavit supporting Gandhi's application and is involved in the discussions about the turban incident.

### [Natal Indian Congress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xix-natal-indian-congress)

Key supporter and first subscriber to the Congress with £2 per month; provides venue for the inaugural meeting.

### [XIV: Coolie Locations or Ghettoes?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xiv-coolie-locations-or-ghettoes)

Refuses to address Gandhi as 'Gandhi' or 'saheb,' instead calls him 'bhai' (brother), a name adopted by ex-indentured Indians.

### [XXXVI: The Khilafat Against Cow Protection?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-xxxvi-the-khilafat-against-cow-protection)

Not directly mentioned in this chapter; omitted.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/abdulla_sheth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters