From Firoz Khan to Firoz Gandhi: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Name Change
Many believe that Firoz Khan transformed into Firoz Gandhi, influenced by the Mahatma Gandhi. However, the truth is more intriguing and less influenced by colonial oversight. Let's delve into the historical facts.
Origins and Influence
Feroze Gandhi was never a Firoz Khan. Contrary to popular belief, Feroze Gandhi was born Feroze Jahangir Ghandy. He was a Zoroastrian Parsi by birth and was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. This admiration inspired him to change his surname to Gandhi, which was not a family name till then, but a Persian tributary of the ancient Persian empire.
It is often said that Mahatma Gandhi adopted him, causing the name change to Gandhi from Ghandy. However, such claims lack historical substantiation and are likely misconceptions.
The Love Affair and Political Dynamics
When Miss Priyadarshani Nehru, later known as Indira Nehru, expressed her love for Feroze Khan to her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, initial hesitation was felt. Nevertheless, Nehru agreed to the marriage on the condition that Feroze change his religion to be part of the Nehru family. However, Feroze was adamant about not changing his religion.
Nehru's solution was pragmatic: Feroze was to write his name as Gandhi, thus gaining a family name that was more in sync with his political affiliations. This was not a forced conversion but a compromise, as both Nehru and Gandhi were part of the freedom struggle. Indira Nehru accepted this compromise and later became Indira Gandhi, while Feroze Khan became Firoz Gandhi.
This transformation was not due to a forced religious change but a strategic decision for political and personal reasons. The names changed to integrate more seamlessly into the wider movement and family connections.
Clarification on Common Misconceptions
The simple answer is that Firoz Khan did not become Firoz Gandhi due to any colonial influence or a surname change inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. The name change was more a matter of easing social and political integration.
Factually, Feroze Gandhi's family name was Ghandy Gandhi (just a different spelling). He was born Feroze Jahangir Ghandy and changed his spelling to Feroze Jahangir Gandhi in 1930, during the freedom struggle, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. He was never called Feroze Khan and was definitely not a Muslim but a Zoroastrian by birth.
These facts have been corroborated by various historical records and family accounts, dispelling popular misconceptions and common rumors.