# Some Experiences explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

> Chapter companion for The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

## What happens

Gandhi arrives in Durban and is met by Abdulla Sheth. He observes the low status of Indians and experiences a court incident where he refuses to remove his turban. He learns about the social divisions among Indians in South Africa, including the indentured labor system and the derogatory term 'coolie.' Abdulla Sheth advises him to keep his Indian turban for patriotic reasons, and Gandhi defends his action in the press.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Justice and Anti-Colonialism

Gandhi confronts racial discrimination and social hierarchies among Indians in South Africa, challenging the derogatory 'coolie' label and defending his turban as an act of resistance.

### Religion and Interfaith Dialogue

Gandhi engages in religious discussions with Abdulla Sheth, gaining practical knowledge of Islam and Islamic philosophy.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Arrives in Durban, observes social dynamics, refuses to remove turban in court, and defends his action in the press.

### Abdulla Sheth

Meets Gandhi at the port, expresses initial doubts about Gandhi's suitability, advises him on the turban issue, and provides insights into Indian social divisions.

## Key lines

> The Magistrate kept staring at me and finally asked me to take off my turban. This I refused to do and left the court.

The magistrate stared at Gandhi and ordered him to remove his turban, but Gandhi refused and walked out of the courtroom.

_Highlights Gandhi's early act of civil disobedience against racial discrimination._

> I was hence known as a 'coolie barrister.' The merchants were known as 'coolie merchants.'

Gandhi was called a 'coolie barrister' and Indian merchants were called 'coolie merchants,' reflecting the racial stigma attached to all Indians.

_Illustrates the pervasive racial labeling in colonial South Africa._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-vii-some-experiences
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters