# What It Is to Be a “Coolie” explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

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

## What happens

Gandhi describes the oppressive legal conditions for Indians in the Transvaal and Orange Free State, including a poll tax, land restrictions, and curfews. He recounts personal experiences of being kicked off a footpath by a policeman and obtaining a special letter from State Attorney Dr. Krause to be out after 9 p.m. These events deepen his empathy for Indian settlers and his resolve to improve their condition.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Justice and Anti-Colonialism

Gandhi's firsthand experience of racial laws and personal assault deepens his commitment to fighting for Indian rights in South Africa.

### Nonviolence and Satyagraha

Gandhi refuses to take legal action against the policeman who assaulted him, choosing forgiveness and non-retaliation.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Narrates his personal experiences of racial discrimination in South Africa, including being kicked off a footpath and obtaining a late-night pass from Dr. Krause.

### Mr. Coates

Witnesses the assault on Gandhi and offers to testify in court; later reprimands the policeman.

### Dada Abdulla

Mentioned as the client whose case Gandhi's principal duty was to attend to.

## Key lines

> I have made it a rule not to go to court in respect of any personal grievance. So I do not intend to proceed against him.

Gandhi declines to sue the policeman who assaulted him, citing his personal policy of not seeking legal redress for personal wrongs.

_Illustrates Gandhi's commitment to nonviolence and personal forbearance._

> I saw that South Africa was no country for a self-respecting Indian, and my mind became more and more occupied with the question as to how this state of things might be improved.

Gandhi concludes that South Africa offers no dignity for Indians and begins to focus on how to change the situation.

_Highlights Gandhi's growing resolve to fight for Indian rights._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii-what-it-is-to-be-a-coolie
- 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