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  • Category: Miscellaneous

    Kaba Gandhi helped the British during their difficult days

    Porbandar, 1857: It was a local kingdom. The local king was Maharaja Rana Sahib Vikramatji Khimojiraj. He was entitled to a hereditary 13-gun salute at the Delhi Durbar from the British (please remember that the highest was 21-gun salute).

    The armed rebellion started all over India in 1856-57 and it also reached the remote corner of Porbandar. The king of Porbandar, Khimojiraj, discussed with his minister and stood firmly with the British.

    The Wagheras of Dwarka revolted and fought a long-drawn guerrilla war from the hills of Abhapara under the leadership of Jodha Manek and his nephew, Mulu Manek, for the next two years. Their major successes were assassination of Captain HT Herbert and assistant political agent, CB LaTouche. These two successes were very significant and morale-boosting for the Wagheras.

    Britishers were clearly on the backfoot.. They sought urgent help from the King of Porbandar. The king acceded. A small but very efficient Porbandar Army surrounded Mulu Manek and assassinated him. The resistance of the Wagheras against the British was over. Jodha Manek escaped, but he also died later.

    This efficient Porbandar Army was commanded by Kaba Gandhi, the then Dewan of the state. He helped the Britishers during their difficult days.

    Many many years later, his fourth child, Mohandas Gandhi, also helped the Britishers significantly in their war-efforts during the First World War. The Britishers acknowledged Mohandas' serious and successful effort with the title of 'Kaizaar-e-Hind'.
  • #761532
    Kaisar-i-Hind Medal was returned by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in the year 1920.

    Kaisar-i-Hind Medal was awarded to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1915 by Lord Hardinge of Penshurst for his contribution to ambulance services in South Africa.

    It was awarded by the Emperor/Empress of India from 1900 to 1947 for public service.

    Let us encourage each other in sharing knowledge.

  • #761533
    Partha, I wonder why you missed out on mentioning about the return of the Kaisar-i-Hind medal by Mahatma Gandhi, as he is commonly known till date. Let us have clear facts if you are to bring up topics based on History. But, as I said in response to an earlier thread by you, please note that mere narratives will not be encouraged as a regular feature in the forum section.
    'Knowledge is knowing a Tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.' -Miles Kington

  • #761534
    This post is mainly to highlight the performance of Kaba Gandhi as the Dewan of Porbandar.
    Tumi asbe bolei akash meghla, Brishti ekhono hoyni;
    Tumi asbe bolei Krishnachurar fulgulo jhore jayni--Nachiketa
    Sky is cloudy but the rain hasn't started, only because you will come;
    Krishnachura flowers haven't fallen, only because you will come.

  • #761536
    The point at #761533 may please be noted.
    'Knowledge is knowing a Tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.' -Miles Kington

  • #761553
    Half-truths are more mischievous and more dangerous than total lies. They are a deliberate attempt to mislead the people.
    " Be Good and Do Good "

  • #761554
    Certain people were not given a proper place in the history of the country by the writers of History. That is making all the difference. I never know about this. Unfortunately, some of our people helped Britishers in the initial stages to settle well in India.
    Here the main culprit is the King of Porbandar. He should not have helped Britishers at that moment. Kaba Gandhi as the Dewan of the state might have shown his loyalty to his King and followed his instructions. I think these historical incidents must be brought to the limelight so that facts will be known to the present generation.

    drrao
    always confident

  • #761559
    I am sure KVRR Sir would find some time to read this: http://nandinikoza.blogspot.com/2014/07/revolt-of-1857-and-saurashtra.html
    Tumi asbe bolei akash meghla, Brishti ekhono hoyni;
    Tumi asbe bolei Krishnachurar fulgulo jhore jayni--Nachiketa
    Sky is cloudy but the rain hasn't started, only because you will come;
    Krishnachura flowers haven't fallen, only because you will come.

  • #761589
    Thanks Partha for digging out the history and bringing the facts to our members. Frankly speaking many does not know the name of Kaba Gandhi and importance in the British India that time. Though you have highlighted the performance as the Dewan of Porbandar, there was twist and turns in the story and that reminded me of viewing a film of those days through your writing. And coming to the award of Kaiser-I-Hind and return of the same by Mahatma Gandhi was also found in the annals of history. Nevertheless the author has created a interest of knowing the things before the award was bestowed and the after effects of the same was made known to us. And as expected there was protest note for this post from certain members and the author need to defend his writing and give out proper reasoning for bringing out this post.
    K Mohan
    'Idhuvum Kadandhu Pogum "
    Even this challenging situation would ease

  • #761687
    It is a well presented historical post and very informative for us especially who have little knowledge about the background in which Kaba Gandhi showed his gallantry skills. History is full of such descriptions where different people showed their loyalty to various masters and kingdoms to which they belonged or worked for a livelihood. I am always fascinated by the historical facts as they showcase the basic human instincts and actions taken by them in various circumstances and surroundings. Kaba Gandhi had actually obeyed his master that is king of Porbandar and in doing that he helped the British regime.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #761692
    #761559, what is the connection between your narration and the content of the link that you have provided?
    'Knowledge is knowing a Tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.' -Miles Kington

  • #761696
    "#761559, what is the connection between your narration and the content of the link that you have provided?"----------------

    Now I fully understand how busy Saji Sir is!!! He couldn't find time to open the link on a separate window and read it carefully till the last line.

    What more can I say? I can copy-paste the article and post it as a response, if that is allowed.

    (I do hope goal-post won't be shifted now.)

    Tumi asbe bolei akash meghla, Brishti ekhono hoyni;
    Tumi asbe bolei Krishnachurar fulgulo jhore jayni--Nachiketa
    Sky is cloudy but the rain hasn't started, only because you will come;
    Krishnachura flowers haven't fallen, only because you will come.

  • #761716
    #761696, "It is noted in the article that the Porbandar State sent Diwan Karamchand Gandhi with 200 soldiers." So, does it justify your title or your interpretation in any way?

    And Partha, you must avoid innuendoes in your posts.

    'Knowledge is knowing a Tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.' -Miles Kington

  • #761720
    To write a small post like this, some people have to read at least five articles/portions of books, not all are easily downloadable. I have given a link of the one which is easily downloadable, but this does not mean that this is the only reference.

    However, this link proves that the Porbandar Army which fought in support of the British was lead by Dewan Kaba Gandhi, isn't it?

    Tumi asbe bolei akash meghla, Brishti ekhono hoyni;
    Tumi asbe bolei Krishnachurar fulgulo jhore jayni--Nachiketa
    Sky is cloudy but the rain hasn't started, only because you will come;
    Krishnachura flowers haven't fallen, only because you will come.

  • #761764
    When I searched about Kaba Gandhi (Karamchand Gandhi the father of Mahatma Gandhi. It is mentioned in the the wikipedia that his nationality was British Indian, how is this possible I really do not know. I am sure by birth he was Indian.
    Coming to the post, I went by the link shared by Partha, it does says that Kaba Gandhi was sent by Porbandar state with 200 soldiers. Here, I would like to mentioned that those time there were some Indians who were helping British and because of that the British were stand tall with long time in India.

  • #761827
    My query is simple. The title of the thread says that Kaba Gandhi helped the British. The fact is that he was the Diwan of Porbandar State and was deputed by the King of Porbandar to carry out the task. So, how is he responsible and why the name of the King has been sidelined? Partha, do not try to distort history, for whatever reasons.
    'Knowledge is knowing a Tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.' -Miles Kington

  • #761861
    Didn't Kaba help the Britishers? A patriotic person would have refused to carry out the order. Great military officers would refuse to command the army. But what did he do?

    Who is distorting history? Some people may take this particular word ('distort') as insulting.

    Tumi asbe bolei akash meghla, Brishti ekhono hoyni;
    Tumi asbe bolei Krishnachurar fulgulo jhore jayni--Nachiketa
    Sky is cloudy but the rain hasn't started, only because you will come;
    Krishnachura flowers haven't fallen, only because you will come.

  • #761953
    Partha, did you answer my query? I don't think so. Don't be so illogical for the sake of supporting your views. I wonder whether you, in this democracy (till date) dare to oppose an official order by your superior. So, what to say about those days of kings and kingdoms. Let us be brave enough to call a spade as spade. There is no harm.
    'Knowledge is knowing a Tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.' -Miles Kington

  • #761960
    Yes, Sir. I have replied your query. You said Kaba Gandhi helped the British as per the order of his master, the king of Porbandar. I say that this does not absolve him of his responsibility.

    Under similar circumstances, patriots disobey the order of superiors. In 1971, many Bengali soldiers of Pakistan Army disobeyed the command of their West Pakistani superiors and joined with 'Muktijoddhas' and Indian Army. I am sure you have heard about that.

    So, Kaba Gandhi helped the British and this is a despicable act.

    Tumi asbe bolei akash meghla, Brishti ekhono hoyni;
    Tumi asbe bolei Krishnachurar fulgulo jhore jayni--Nachiketa
    Sky is cloudy but the rain hasn't started, only because you will come;
    Krishnachura flowers haven't fallen, only because you will come.

  • #761972
    Partha, I think it is better to call it a day. There seems to be no point in trying to convince you. I hope and I know that you have got the point. Keep it in your mind.
    'Knowledge is knowing a Tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.' -Miles Kington

  • #761977
    "Partha, I think it is better to call it a day. "--------------Finally good sense prevails.
    Tumi asbe bolei akash meghla, Brishti ekhono hoyni;
    Tumi asbe bolei Krishnachurar fulgulo jhore jayni--Nachiketa
    Sky is cloudy but the rain hasn't started, only because you will come;
    Krishnachura flowers haven't fallen, only because you will come.

  • #761980
    'Finally, good sense prevails..', because one can only take a horse to the pond.
    'Knowledge is knowing a Tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.' -Miles Kington


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