# Kasturbai Gandhi — The Story of My Experiments with Truth character guide > Kasturbai Gandhi in The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Kasturbai, Kasturba, Mrs. Gandhi **First appearance:** 0005-part-i-iii-child-marriage ## Snapshot Married to Gandhi at thirteen, she spent a lifetime being his most intimate opponent — unlettered, sharp-tongued, and never quite tamed. ## Who they are As a child bride she was pulled from her family and thrust into a household where her husband policed her movements, resented her independence, and later demanded celibacy she had no say in. She pushed back — sneaking out to temples, refusing to be lectured — and their quarrels expose the young Gandhi at his most possessive. Her quiet endurance and flashes of defiance make her the book's most human counterweight to his relentless self-improvement. ## Relationships ### [Raychandbhai](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/raychandbhai) _social_ Kasturbai and Raychandbhai had a respectful acquaintance, as Raychandbhai was a spiritual mentor to Gandhi and a family friend. ### [Gopal Krishna Gokhale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/gopal_krishna_gokhale) _social_ Gokhale and Kasturbai had a cordial relationship, meeting occasionally through Gandhi's political and social work. ## In the story ### [Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/the-story-of-my-experiments-with-truth) Gandhi's wife, mentioned in the context of their early marriage. ### [Child Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-i-iii-child-marriage) Gandhi's child bride, of the same age, with whom he began married life. ### [Playing the Husband](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-i-iv-playing-the-husband) Described as illiterate, simple, independent, persevering, and reticent; she resisted Gandhi's restrictions and educational efforts. ### [A Tragedy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-i-vi-a-tragedy) Mentioned as his wife, who had more courage than him and warned him about his bad company. ### [A Tragedy (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-i-vii-a-tragedy-continued) Mentioned as the wife who suffered from Gandhi's unfounded suspicions fueled by his friend, and as a symbol of tolerance. ### [My Father’s Death and My Double Shame](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-i-ix-my-father-s-death-and-my-double-shame) Gandhi's pregnant wife, who is fast asleep when he comes to the bedroom on the night of his father's death. ### [The Canker of Untruth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-i-xix-the-canker-of-untruth) Referenced as Gandhi's wife, whom he hid being married to while in England. ### [How I Began Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-ii-how-i-began-life) Gandhi's wife, with whom he has strained relations; he tries to teach her but his jealousy and lust hinder their relationship. ### [Arrival in Natal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-arrival-in-natal) Gandhi's wife; he feels the pang of parting from her and reflects on their evolving relationship. ### [As a Householder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii-as-a-householder) Implied as part of the household, though not directly mentioned in this excerpt. ### [I: Rumblings of the Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-i-rumblings-of-the-storm) Gandhi's wife; adapts to new dress and manners under his direction, initially with reluctance. ### [The Test](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-iii-the-test) Drives safely to Mr. Rustomji's house with children. ### [Spirit of Service](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-vi-spirit-of-service) Gandhi's wife, whose deliveries he managed with self-taught knowledge, using a nurse only for assistance. ### [Brahmacharya—I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-vii-brahmacharya-i) Gandhi's wife, who is described as never being the temptress, and whose relationship with Gandhi is central to his struggle with brahmacharya. ### [Brahmacharya—II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-viii-brahmacharya-ii) Consulted by Gandhi before taking the vow; she had no objection. ### [Simple Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-ix-simple-life) Mentioned as the one whom Gandhi taught the art of washing clothes. ### [Return to India](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xii-return-to-india) Initially resists returning the gifts, arguing they are needed for future daughters-in-law, but eventually consents. ### [Faith on Its Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iii-xxii-faith-on-its-trial) Kasturbai is mentioned as Manilal's mother, who is left in charge of the boy while Gandhi goes for a walk. ### [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) Left behind in Bombay with the children when Gandhi returns to South Africa. ### [A Sacred Recollection and Penance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-x-a-sacred-recollection-and-penance) Resists cleaning the pot of a Christian clerk of Panchama origin, leading to a heated argument with Gandhi; described as a faithful nurse and enduring partner. ### [Intimate European Contacts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xi-intimate-european-contacts) Gandhi's wife, who often suffered tears due to the presence of English friends living intimately with the family. ### [A Peep Into the Household](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxiii-a-peep-into-the-household) Occasionally lends a hand in grinding, though her usual time is for kitchen work. ### [The Zulu “Rebellion”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxiv-the-zulu-rebellion) Consents to Gandhi's decision to break up the Johannesburg home and settle at Phoenix. ### [Kasturbai’s Courage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxviii-kasturbai-s-courage) Shows extraordinary courage by refusing beef tea despite her critical illness, preferring death over violating her religious principles. ### [Domestic Satyagraha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxix-domestic-satyagraha) Suffers from haemorrhage; initially resists giving up salt and pulses but eventually agrees after Gandhi's vow, leading to her recovery. ### [XXX: Towards Self-Restraint](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxx-towards-self-restraint) Her illness prompted initial dietary changes. ### [Fasting as Penance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxxvi-fasting-as-penance) Had previously warned Gandhi about the situation, but he ignored her caution. ### [To Meet Gokhale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xxxvii-to-meet-gokhale) Travels with Gandhi to London via England. ### [Woes of Third-Class Passengers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-v-woes-of-third-class-passengers) Gandhi's wife, who accompanies him and is allowed to use a second-class bathroom. ### [X: On the Anvil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-x-on-the-anvil) Shows indifference or dislike towards Danibehn, reflecting internal resistance within the Ashram. ### [Companions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-xvii-companions) Summoned for the work; taught cleanliness and good manners despite limited Hindi literacy. ### [Penetrating the Villages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-xviii-penetrating-the-villages) Helped manage the school at Bhitiharva and spoke with village women about hygiene. ### [Near Death's Door](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-xxviii-near-death-s-door) Gandhi's wife who prepared a meal that triggered his acute dysentery. ### [The Rowlatt Bills and My Dilemma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-v-xxix-the-rowlatt-bills-and-my-dilemma) Interjects during the discussion with Dr. Dalal, suggesting goat's milk as an alternative to cow's milk. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/characters/kasturbai_gandhi - 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