Vallabhbhai Patel (1875-1950) – Letter - two handwritten letters on the same sheet, written in Gujerati, featuring a Nasik Road Central Prison official stamp to top. The first letter reads:
Central Prison
Nasik Road,
Date: 22.10.33
Dear Sister,
I received your letter. It seems from this letter that Jitu has come to Ahmedabad. He is at home now so he will be cared good.
Maniben informed yesterday about the operation (surgery) happened on Haribhai. I also came to know that Lilavatiben is also there. I have wrote him a letter. I have written a letter saying to write one letter every day till Haribhai is recovered. But what can we do if it is tha matter against his nature? We both hope that he will be recovered very soon. The poor Jayantilal was really a good boy. Jitu has lost a good friend. In this world, it is the matter of fortune to have a good friend. It happens rarely but this world is not for good people.
Virtuous people why stay here now? This is the ocean to wash the sins of sinful people. Whose sins are washed away from here, they go from here. What to be sad about it? It is to be happy if we understand, because if a person gets released from this sin is considered as good. Death is the entrance of liberation. We feel grieved because of our ignorance. In fact we should be happy that one of our beloved person released from the binding.
Maniben and Mrudula are goind to Vardha on this Tuesday. All are going together.
Jitu was used to inform us everything writing letters when he came.
I also received letter of Sumitra.
Our time passes and we even don’t know about it. Two years is going to complete after about a month. There are many changes (transformations) happened outside. Inside we are having the same days and the same appearances. There is no change, yet the time keeps doing its duty.
The health of both of us is good by the grace of God. Bhai (brother) has left some time now. As the four months complete, he will be able to get into the open air. Only God knows when we will meet.
Today I got a letter from Ambalalbhai. It is some better there at Sarladevi. The tonsils have increased so I always had a little fever. The doctor says so. Says about to cut it going Europe in next summer. But currently everything is good. They will leave at date 25th and will arrive at Mumbai on date 6/11/33, as they write.
Hope your health is good.
I have received the letter of Jivanlal master.
Sincerely,
Vallabhbhai’s salutation.
The second letter reads:
Dear Balvant Rai,
I received your letter. Please do a good check-up of Jitu and let me know the status in the letter. Maniben is doing some experiments with milk and buttermilk currently. It seems it is suggested by Dr. [illegible]. But just check there are no other issue in the body, so it’s not a worry.
The result of the Kotha election is considered to be so-so. It didn’t happen good that Vadibhai could not make it but it happens. And if someone else is left out, then he/she will fight, so rather it is good that Vadibhai left-out. He will not feel sad. Manilal Mohanlal met me yesterday. He told something about hospital. Now the Chinai will come. Hope your health is good.
Thank you,
Vallabhbhai’s salutation.
Stamped to top of both letterheads 'Superintendent - Nasik Central Prison' with an official's signature in pencil. Written in black ink to both sides of the folded paper. Folds, some pin holes, a small tear and tape repair. 17cm x 20cm, when unfolded.
Upon the failure of the Round Table Conference in London, Gandhi and Patel were arrested in January 1932 when the struggle re-opened, and imprisoned in the Yeravda Central Jail. During this term of imprisonment, Patel and Gandhi grew close to each other, and the two developed a close bond of affection, trust, and frankness. Their mutual relationship could be described as that of an elder brother (Gandhi) and his younger brother (Patel). Despite having arguments with Gandhi, Patel respected his instincts and leadership. In prison, the two discussed national and social issues, read Hindu epics, and cracked jokes. Gandhi taught Patel Sanskrit. Gandhi's secretary, Mahadev Desai, kept detailed records of conversations between Gandhi and Patel. When Gandhi embarked on a fast-unto-death protesting the separate electorates allocated for untouchables, Patel looked after Gandhi closely and himself refrained from partaking of food. Patel was later moved to a jail in Nasik, and refused a British offer for a brief release to attend the cremation of his brother Vithalbhai, who had died in October 1933. He was finally released in July 1934
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950), endeared as Sardar, was an Indian statesman. He served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1950. He was a barrister and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, who played a leading role in the country's struggle for independence, guiding its integration into a united, independent nation. He was one of the conservative members of the Indian National Congress. In India and elsewhere, he was often called Sardar, meaning "chief" in Hindi, Urdu, and Persian. He acted as the Home Minister during the political integration of India and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. One of Mahatma Gandhi's earliest political lieutenants, he organised peasants from Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in non-violent civil disobedience against the British Raj, becoming one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat. He was appointed as the 49th President of Indian National Congress, organising the party for elections in 1934 and 1937 while promoting the Quit India Movement.
