# Gopal Krishna Gokhale — The Story of My Experiments with Truth character guide > Gopal Krishna Gokhale in The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi. **Role:** major **Also known as:** the late Mr. Gokhale, Gokhale **First appearance:** 0054-part-ii-xxvii-the-bombay-meeting ## Snapshot The elder statesman Gandhi called his political guru, whose blessing and discipline shaped a raw lawyer into a public servant. ## Who they are Gokhale was the moderate, exacting figure Gandhi sought out in India after returning from South Africa, a man whose approval mattered more than any crowd's. He imposed conditions — a year of silence, no public speaking, careful listening — that Gandhi found humbling and formative. His mentorship gives the narrative a rare glimpse of Gandhi as a disciple rather than a leader, and his death leaves a vacuum Gandhi must fill alone. ## Relationships ### [Mahadeo Govind Ranade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/mahadeo_govind_ranade) _professional_ Gokhale was a close protégé and admirer of Ranade, who mentored him in political and social reform work. ### [Hermann Kallenbach](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/hermann_kallenbach) _friendship_ Gokhale and Kallenbach were friends through Gandhi, sharing a mutual respect and interest in Indian independence. ### [Kasturbai Gandhi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/kasturbai_gandhi) _social_ Gokhale and Kasturbai had a cordial relationship, meeting occasionally through Gandhi's political and social work. ## In the story ### [The £3 Tax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi-the-3-tax) Mentioned as the breach of faith with him became the occasion for the final campaign. ### [Poona and Madras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii-poona-and-madras) Gandhi's first meeting with Gokhale, who warmly welcomes him, examines his speech, and guides him on whom to approach. ### [Simple Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-ix-simple-life) Visits South Africa; entrusts Gandhi with ironing his treasured scarf, a gift from Mahadeo Govind Ranade, and later certifies Gandhi's skill. ### [Clerk and Bearer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xiv-clerk-and-bearer) Observed by Gandhi as one of the stalwart leaders at the Congress. ### [In the Congress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xv-in-the-congress) Supports Gandhi by ensuring his resolution is not overlooked and vouches for it in the Subjects Committee. ### [Lord Curzon’s Durbar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xvi-lord-curzon-s-durbar) Invites Gandhi to stay with him and encourages him to engage with people and do Congress work. ### [A Month with Gokhale—I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xvii-a-month-with-gokhale-i) Hosts Gandhi, treats him like a younger brother, and demonstrates a disciplined public life focused on India's freedom. ### [A Month with Gokhale—II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xviii-a-month-with-gokhale-ii) Gandhi stays at Gokhale's home and discusses meeting Kalicharan Banerji. ### [A Month with Gokhale—III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xix-a-month-with-gokhale-iii) Hosted Gandhi in Calcutta, supported his work, and later saw him off at the station for his third-class tour. ### [Settled in Bombay?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xxi-settled-in-bombay) Anxious for Gandhi to settle in Bombay and help with Congress work. ### [To South Africa Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xxiii-to-south-africa-again) Visits Gandhi frequently in Bombay, making plans for him and introducing him to friends. ### [European Contacts (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xii-european-contacts-continued) Praised Miss Schlesin as the foremost among Gandhi's coworkers for her sacrifice, purity, and fearlessness. ### [To Meet Gokhale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxxvii-to-meet-gokhale) Instructs Gandhi to return home via London. ### [My Part in the War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxxviii-my-part-in-the-war) Stranded in Paris due to the war, unable to return to England when Gandhi arrives. ### [XLI: Gokhale’s Charity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xli-gokhale-s-charity) In London, he discusses war geography with Kallenbach and Gandhi, and later pressures Gandhi to accept medical advice but ultimately respects his decision. ### [Homeward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xliii-homeward) Arranged a reception for Gandhi in Bombay despite his own delicate health. ### [The First Experience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-i-the-first-experience) Summoned Gandhi to Poona after his return. ### [With Gokhale in Poona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-ii-with-gokhale-in-poona) Welcomes Gandhi in Poona, arranges meetings with the Servants of India Society, offers to fund Gandhi's Ashram, and hosts a party despite his ill health. ### [Shantiniketan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-iv-shantiniketan) His death is announced via telegram, causing grief at Shantiniketan and prompting Gandhi's departure. ### [Wooing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-vi-wooing) Deceased; Gandhi reflects on his guidance and loyalty to him as he navigates the membership question. ### [Kumbha Mela](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-vii-kumbha-mela) His society sent a volunteer corps to the Kumbha Mela; mentioned as a reference point. ### [Congress Initiation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-xxxviii-congress-initiation) His legacy of framing the Congress rules is referenced. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/gopal_krishna_gokhale - 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