Page 13 - GANDHI A Biography for Children and Beginners

GANDHI – A Biography for children and beginners

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Gandhi was born in Porbandar, on the 2nd of October 1869. Porbandar is one of

the many princely States in Kathiawad (Saurashtra) which is now in the state of

Gujarat. Gandhi's father belonged to a family that was well known and highly
respected in Porbandar as well as in neighbouring states like Rajkot and

Junagarh. The family was not known for its wealth or scholarship. But two of

the members of the family had occupied the high position of "Dewan" or Chief
Minister of the state of Porbandar. They had earned a high reputation for their

honesty and wisdom, and their knowledge of the arts of administration and the

affairs of the court of the Ruler. They were also known for their loyalty as well

as their tact in handling citizens and situations. They were men of culture and
high principles in public and private life.

These principles sometimes got them into trouble with the Ruler or highly

placed members of the royal family and court. But they conducted themselves
with such exemplary courage and rectitude that their views and acts were

vindicated, and the reputation of their rectitude spread to other parts of

Saurashtra.

Gandhi's grandfather, Uttamchand Gandhi was an able administrator. But he

ran into trouble with the Queen-mother-Regent because he refused to do what

her maids asked of him. The Regent then dispatched the army and got
Uttamchand's house shelled. But Uttamchand did not budge. He preferred to

leave her service and move to Junagarh. There he had the audacity to salute

the Nawab with his left hand.

He was asked to explain why he had shown such disrespect to the Nawab. He

explained that his right hand had been pledged to Porbandar. The Nawab was

pleased to see such loyalty, and tried to get Uttamchand reinstated as Diwan of
Porbandar when the Queen-rnother passed away, and the successor ascended

the throne. But Uttamchand declined, and his son Karamchand was appointed

Diwan at the young age of 24.

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