In March 1939, Kasturba Gandhi had been arrested in Rajkot, India, and tossed into solitary confinement. The 69-year-old woman bore it stoically, but when Gandhi heard about his wife’s incarceration, he headed to the city to see what he could do.
Rajkot’s ruler, known as the Thakore Saheb, avoiding meeting with Gandhi when he arrived. However, he was allowed to visited prisoners in several jails, including Kasturba, and “was very much moved by the statements made.” When the Thackore Saheb’s advisor continued to stonewall him, Gandhi sent a letter to the ruler (and Bcc'd the British Viceroy). In his letter, Gandhi reminded the Thakore Saheb of their families’ connnections. Because of those common roots, he wrote, he felt a duty to begin a fast with the hope of spurring the ruler’s conscience into embracing reform.
The conditions Gandhi laid out were basic. He expected the Thackor Saheb to follow through on the a pledge he had made months earlier to appoint a reforms committee to draft a constitution. In addition, he demanded that resources for the committee be made available, and that all satyagraha prisoners — which included Kasturba — be released. Word of the fast leaked, and reporters gathered around him on the morning of March 3, 1939. When no response came from the Thakore Saheb by noon, Gandhi began his fast to the death, proclaiming, “I have no recollection of a single experiment of mine in fasting having been a fruitless effort.”
Gandhi was 69 years old, and this was his first extended fast in almost five years. Friends and associates were concerned for his health, and surprised by what appeared to be a hasty decision. Gandhi, on the other hand, was satisfied that he was doing the right thing, and “slept peacefully” for the first time “since his arrival in Rajkot.” He was confident the Thakore Saheb would accept this as a face-saving solution.
The fast stretched into a third day. Gandhi stayed in bed to conserve energy, and found spiritual nourishment by listening to a daily recital of the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. While waiting for the Thakore Saheb to meet his demands, he reached out to the British Viceroy, and asked for help in convincing the prince to uphold the previous agreement.
On the morning of March 7, the fifth day of the fast, Gandhi received a favorable response. The British, well aware of the influence Gandhi's life had on the tranquility of the nation, suggested arbitration by the Chief Justice of India. The Viceroy also promised his personal influence to make sure the Thakore Saheb followed through. This was acceptable, and 99 hours since his last meal, Gandhi drank a glass of orange juice in the presence of his wife. His fast for love had succeeded in rescuing Kasturba.
Which would you rather see; a movie where a man rescues a loved one with violence or nonviolence?