Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi
Karamchand Uttamchand Gandhi (1822-1885)[1] also known as Kaba Gandhi was a political figure in Porbandar. He served as Prime Minister of Porbandar state, Dewan of Rajkot and Bikaner. He was the father of Mahatma Gandhi(Father of the Nation) and Laxmidas Karamchand Gandhi.
His father Uttamchand Gandhi, who belonged to a humble family of merchants, became the Dewan of Porbandar. He was succeeded by his son, Karamchand Gandhi. Karamchand had very little formal education, but his knowledge and experience made him a good administrator. He was said to be kind and generous, but also to have a bad temper.[2]
Like his father, Uttamchand Gandhi, Karamchand had become a court official, or chief minister, of the local ruling prince of Porbandar. Karamchand's duties included advising the royal family of Porbandar and hiring other government officials.
Karamchand did not have a formal education. He learned from experience by watching his father work and attending religious ceremonies. There were some areas, however, in which he never gained much knowledge, including geography and history. Nonetheless, Karamchand excelled as chief minister in Porbandar.[3]
In spite of Karamchand's success in his job, he did not find ways to accumulate wealth. The Gandhis had plenty to eat, a respectable number of servants, and a few nice pieces of furniture, but they were by no means wealthy. The money Karamchand brought in just covered the household expenses.[4]