Karamchand Gandhi
Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi served as Diwan of Porbandar and Rajkot during the mid-19th century. His career began in the early 1800s when his father Uttamchand held the same post under Rana Khimojiraj. The family originated from Kutiana, a village within Junagadh State before moving to Porbandar in the early 1700s. Lalji Gandhi first entered service with the local ruler, establishing a lineage of civil servants. Successive generations maintained their positions until Karamchand himself took office. He advised the royal family and hired other government officials for the state administration. In 1831, Rana Khimojiraj died suddenly at age 45. His widow Rani Rupaliba became regent for her 12-year-old son Vikmatji. She soon fell out with Uttamchand and forced him back to his ancestral village. While in Junagadh, Uttamchand saluted the Nawab with his left hand because his right was pledged to Porbandar's service. Vikmatji assumed the throne in 1841 and reinstated Uttamchand as diwan. Karamchand followed this path into adulthood, managing daily affairs of the principality.
The Gandhi family traces its roots to Kutiana, a small village in what is now Gujarat. Lalji Gandhi moved from there to Porbandar during the early 18th century. He entered the service of the ruling Rana, beginning a tradition of court employment. Successive generations served as civil servants under various rulers of Porbandar. Uttamchand, Karamchand's father, became diwan in the early 19th century. The family maintained their position through political shifts and changes in leadership. When Rana Khimojiraj died in 1831, the family faced immediate disruption. Regent Rani Rupaliba expelled Uttamchand from office due to personal conflicts. He returned to Kutiana but remained connected to state affairs. In 1841, when Vikmatji took power, Uttamchand was restored to his former role. This pattern of rise and fall shaped the family's understanding of political instability. Their status depended entirely on royal favor rather than independent wealth or land ownership. The transition from village life to court administration required adaptability across three decades of service.
Karamchand possessed very little formal education yet excelled as chief minister. His knowledge came from watching his father work and attending religious ceremonies. He learned administrative skills through direct experience rather than classroom study. Some areas like geography and history never fully opened to him despite years of service. Colleagues described him as kind and generous toward those around him. Yet he also carried a bad temper that could flare unexpectedly. These contrasting traits defined how people interacted with him daily. Despite his success, Karamchand did not accumulate significant wealth. The household had plenty to eat and employed a respectable number of servants. They owned a few nice pieces of furniture but lacked great riches. Money earned covered only basic expenses without surplus for investment. His reputation rested on competence rather than material accumulation. Visitors noted his ability to manage complex situations while maintaining personal integrity. This balance between capability and character made him effective in office.
Karamchand married four times during his lifetime. His first three wives died shortly after marriage, two immediately following childbirth. Each union produced daughters who passed away within days or weeks of birth. In 1857, he wed Putlibai Gandhi, who lived until the 12th of June 1891. Their marriage lasted 28 years until Karamchand's death in November 1885. Four children emerged from this final union: Laxmidas born March 1860, Raliatbehn born December 1862, Karsandas born June 1866, and Mohandas born October 1869. Mohandas was the youngest child and later became known as Mahatma Gandhi. All four children married before their father died. The family structure reflected common patterns among Gujarati families of that era. Multiple marriages were not uncommon when early deaths occurred. The survival of Putlibai allowed the continuation of the lineage through her sons. Her longevity provided stability during Karamchand's declining health years. The household grew to include multiple generations under one roof by the 1870s.
In 1885, Karamchand suffered a severe attack of fistula that worsened daily. Doctors attempted many different treatments without success. He suggested surgery but his family doctor refused to perform it. His condition deteriorated steadily over several months despite care from Putlibai and Mohandas. On the night of November 16, around 10:30 or 11 PM, events unfolded quickly. Sixteen-year-old Mohandas massaged his father's legs while Tulsidas visited. Tulsidas told Mohandas to go to bed where Kasturba slept. Within seconds, a servant called out that Karamchand's condition had become critical. Everyone realized he had passed away shortly after. He died at age 63 on the 16th of November 1885. Mohandas later recalled how no one initially accepted that this would be his final night. The atmosphere shifted from routine concern to sudden loss within moments. The death marked the end of an era for the Porbandar court administration. It also set in motion changes for the young Mohandas who would inherit his legacy.
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Common questions
Who was Karamchand Gandhi and what positions did he hold?
Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi served as Diwan of Porbandar and Rajkot during the mid-19th century. He managed daily affairs of the principality after his father Uttamchand held the same post under Rana Khimojiraj.
When was Karamchand Gandhi born and when did he die?
Karamchand Gandhi died at age 63 on the 16th of November 1885. His death occurred shortly after a severe attack of fistula worsened over several months despite medical treatments.
Where did the Gandhi family originate before moving to Porbandar?
The Gandhi family traces its roots to Kutiana, a small village in what is now Gujarat. Lalji Gandhi moved from there to Porbandar during the early 18th century to enter service with the ruling Rana.
How many wives did Karamchand Gandhi have and who survived him?
Karamchand married four times during his lifetime but only Putlibai Gandhi survived him until the 12th of June 1891. Their marriage lasted 28 years until Karamchand's death in November 1885.
What children were born to Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai Gandhi?
Four children emerged from this final union: Laxmidas born March 1860, Raliatbehn born December 1862, Karsandas born June 1866, and Mohandas born October 1869. Mohandas was the youngest child and later became known as Mahatma Gandhi.