The Forgotten Woman: The Untold Story of Kastur Gandhi answers that question while giving the reader insight into the motivations and desires of both Kastur and Mohandas Gandhi and all those who followed their path. Because so few official records still exist, this biography, written by the Gandhis’ grandson Arun and his wife Sunanda, draws largely on memories of those who knew the couple. While one might expect the authors to be biased, the anecdotes they relate solidly support the assertion that Kastur was not a meek, intimidated woman who did her husband’s bidding because she had no choice.

The culture and time into which Kastur was born certainly influenced her attitude and her beliefs about the proper behavior of a Hindu wife. Within that culture, the authors point out, "...it is the family and legacy that supersedes every other consideration." Kastur cherished her heritage and the traditions of her faith, but even as a teenage bride she had an inner strength and wisdom that allowed her to adapt to her young husband’s chaotic attempts to find a place for himself.

Mohandas was by far the more non-traditional member of this union. Early on, he decided that his bride should be taught to read and write—nearly unheard of in the culture. This enlightened idea was met with alarm by Kastur, who immediately realized that it would set her apart from the other women in her family and lead to division among them. Kastur appears to have mastered the art of passive resistance long before Mohandas used that tactic in his campaigns. The obedient wife sat quietly through the nightly lessons, never complaining or disagreeing; she simply refused to learn.

Throughout the 60 plus years of their marriage, Kastur’s choices were her own. Rather than following blindly as Mohandas led, Kastur Gandhi considered the options at every juncture and made her own choices. Most of the time, she concluded that her husband’s path was the right one for her, as well, but when she disagreed with his plans, she quietly and firmly went her own way.

Eventually Kastur became as much a leader as her husband, leading women in protest against laws that would unjustly penalize them and their families, serving time in jail more than once, and even befriending and embracing those of other faiths and castes after determining for herself that, indeed, all people are equal in the eyes of God.

Arun and Sunanda Gandhi have given us a surprising and riveting remembrance of a remarkable woman. Readers of this biography will be reassured of Kastur’s willing participation in her husband’s eccentric and dangerous lifestyle. Without her support, it seems unlikely that Mohandas Gandhi would have become the peaceful leader who accomplished so much; lacking the approval of his family, it was always Kastur who made the effort to understand what he needed and to provide, in her quiet yet forceful way, the solid foundation he needed in order to serve a greater good. Details of historical events along with passages from letters and recalled conversations—including Gandhi’s own recitation of some of the couple’s surprisingly volatile arguments—make The Forgotten Woman a vibrant and revealing look into the world of Kastur Gandhi, the woman who stood behind and walked beside the Mahatma.