M.K. Gandhi | Autograph letter signed, to Tehmina Khambatta, 6 March 1930

Mohandas K. Gandhi

Autograph letter signed, to Tehmina Khambhatta

a stirring call for her and her husband to prepare to join the struggle for Swaraj when it reaches its moment of crisis ("...When, however, a situation arises in which one can be faithful to dharma only by laying down one’s life, it becomes one’s duty to do so. I am sure, therefore, that if and when such a time comes both of you will be ready to sacrifice yourselves. Rest assured that, to those who fight in the name of God, He gives the strength to endure all hardships..." [trans.]), in Gujarati, on lined paper with ink stamp ("7544"), 2 pages, 8vo, [Sabarmati Ashram], 6 March 1930

A POWERFUL LETTER WRITTEN AS GANDHI PREPARED FOR SALT SATYAGRAHA. Tehmina Khambhatta was the wife of a Mumbai osteopath, Dr Behram Navroji Khambhatta. The couple were close supporters of Gandhi and involved in charitable works such as a home for the blind which was visited by Gandhi in September 1929. This letter is a response to Dr Khambhatta's wish to take a more active role in Gandhi's non-violent protest. Gandhi here writes to his wife agreeing with her that he should not, at this time, join any protests, but at the same time rallying her to action at a future date. Gandhi wrote to Behram Khambhatta on the same date, again endorsing his wife's concerns and advising him to improve his physical health before he attempts to become a satyagrahi. These letters were written at a time of rising tension in India, when many more people - and especially women - were being drawn into India's struggle for independence. On 26 January 1930 the Indian National Congress had made the call for complete self-rule (Purna Swaraj), and just six days after writing this letter Gandhi set out on his march to Dandi, triggering vast civil unrest throughout India.  

LITERATURE

The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi: Volume 48, p. 381

PROVENANCE

Christie's, London, 6 December 2002, lot 75 (part lot)