The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Character

Kaba Gandhi

Gandhi's father, a Diwan of Kathiawad states, incorruptible and short-tempered, who left his son a legacy of principle without wealth.

supporting

Also known as Kaba Gandhi

First appearance: Birth and Parentage

As a supporting figure in The Story of My Experiments with Truth, Kaba Gandhi is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Gandhi's father, whose influence is noted in the early chapters.

In the storyPart IOpen this moment free

Kaba Gandhi served as Prime Minister in Porbandar, Rajkot, and Vankaner, earning a reputation for truthfulness and impartiality while remaining uneducated in anything but practical experience. He married four times, was given to some indulgence, yet stood firm against a British Agent's insult to his chief and accepted detention rather than apologize. His blend of moral spine and human frailty gives the young Gandhi both an ideal and a warning about the cost of principle.

See Kaba Gandhi in Part I Book page

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Gandhi’s physical…

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In the story

Kaba Gandhi appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part I
Gandhi's father, whose influence is noted in the early chapters.
Birth and Parentage
Gandhi's father, a truthful, brave, and generous man who served as Prime Minister and was known for his strict impartiality and incorruptibility.
Childhood
Gandhi's father, who left Porbandar for Rajkot to join the Rajasthanik Court and purchased the book 'Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka'.
Child Marriage
Gandhi's father, who sustained injuries from a coach accident while traveling to the wedding.
At the High School
Gandhi's father, whom he served as a nurse; wrote to the headmaster to exempt Gandhi from gymnastics.
A Tragedy
Implied as part of the staunch Vaishnava family traditions that Gandhi feared to betray.
VIII: Stealing and Atonement
Gandhi's father, who forgives him after reading his confession, demonstrating Ahimsa through his tears and love.
My Father’s Death and My Double Shame
Gandhi's father, bedridden with a fistula, who dies while Gandhi is away from his bedside.
Glimpses of Religion
Gandhi's father, who hosted discussions with Jain monks and friends of different faiths.
Preparation for England
Gandhi's deceased father, referenced in the discussion about career choices.
XIV: My Choice
Mentioned indirectly as Gandhi's father; not directly present in the chapter.
Raychandbhai
Mentioned as Gandhi's elder brother who met him at the dock and had kept the news of their mother's death from him.
How I Began Life
Gandhi's elder brother, who had high hopes for him and managed household expenses, but whose generosity led to financial strain.
The First Case
Gandhi's father, referenced in comparison of income expectations.
The First Shock
Gandhi's brother, who urges him to use his acquaintance with the Political Agent to help clear his name.
Preparing for South Africa
Gandhi's brother, who discusses the South Africa offer with him and introduces him to Sheth Abdul Karim Jhaveri.
Result of Introspection
Referenced as the father whose example Gandhi claims to follow in redefining family duty.
Abolition of Indentured Emigration
Not directly mentioned in excerpts; omitted.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Kaba Gandhi unlock in the free preview.

See Kaba Gandhi in Birth and Parentage

See Kaba Gandhi in Part I