Nehru, Kamala (1899–1936)

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Nehru, Kamala (1899–1936)

Indian leader. Born Kamala Kaul, 1899; died Feb 28, 1936; dau. of prosperous entrepreneurs in Delhi; m. Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964, 1st prime minister of independent India), Feb 1916; children: Indira Gandhi (1917–1984).

At 17, entered into an arranged marriage with 26-year-old Jawaharlal Nehru; encouraged him to join the Nationalist movement; though diagnosed with tuberculosis (1925), worked tirelessly as president of Allahabad Congress Committee and later as a substitute member of Congress Working Committee, the high command of the Nationalist movement; spent 6 months in Lucknow Central Jail (1931); died of TB at 37.

See also Women in World History.