Was Indira Gandhi Adopted by Mahatma Gandhi? Debunking the Myth

Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, was never adopted by Mahatma Gandhi. Despite popular belief and several myths circulating about her being adopted, there is no solid evidence supporting this claim. This article aims to debunk these myths and provide accurate information about Indira Gandhi and her family background.

Indira Gandhi: Daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, who served as India's first Prime Minister from 1947 to 1964. Jawaharlal Nehru was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. Despite this close connection, there is no historical record of Mahatma Gandhi adopting Indira Gandhi or any member of the Nehru family.

Indira Gandhi's Early Life

Indira Gandhi was born on November 19, 1917, to Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru. She was given the family name Nehru, which is a common and prominent name in Indian politics. Indira's early life was closely intertwined with the political struggles of the early post-independence period.

Feroze Gandhi: A Political Marriage

Feroze Gandhi, on the other hand, was a well-known Indian politician and journalist who was not related to Mahatma Gandhi. Born on September 12, 1912, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Feroze Gandhi lived a life dedicated to political activism and social justice. He was married to Indira Nehru in 1942, and their union was deeply rooted in political and personal admiration.

Initially, inter-religious marriages, particularly between Hindus and Parsis, were often frowned upon. However, Jawaharlal Nehru convinced Mahatma Gandhi to allow their son Feroze to marry Indira. The Gandhis agreed, and as a symbol of this union, Mahatma Gandhi gave his surname to Feroze, allowing their marriage to proceed as per Hindu customs.

Mahatma Gandhi's Surname and Indira's Marriage

According to a lesser-known fact, Mahatma Gandhi did give his surname to Feroze Gandhi, though not to Indira Gandhi herself. This decision was made to facilitate their marriage, which was not legally permissible at the time due to religious and social customs. Indeed, Feroze Gandhi accepted the Hindu religion and underwent the necessary rituals to marry Indira.

The Political Families of Nehru and Gandhi

The Nehru family and the Gandhi family were both prominent in Indian politics during the freedom struggle. Both families played a significant role in shaping India's post-independence political landscape. While Indira Gandhi did not have an officially recognized adoption by Mahatma Gandhi, her family connections and political alliances made her a prominent figure in Indian history.

From her early days as the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru to her eventual rise to the position of Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi's life is a testament to the power of political will and the influence of family legacy in shaping India's modern political history. The myths surrounding her adoption are not only false but also detract from the substantial contributions she made to Indian politics.