Folding Portable Spinning Wheel Used by Mahatma M. K. Gandhi

In the early decades of the 20th century, Mahatma M. K. Gandhi (1869-1948) used the spinning wheel, or charkha, as a unifying call-to-action in the nonviolent struggle against British colonial rule in India. The charkha was used in one form or another in nearly all parts of India to spin thread for making cloth before British imports had overwhelmed local production. The charkha, in the hands of Gandhi and other Indian nationalists, became a symbol for national unity; and the simple act of spinning an act of protest. The charkha proved a highly visible symbol for India's political independence and economic self-sufficiency.

Henry Ford was a great admirer of Gandhi's selfless life, self-reliant ideals and nonviolent principles. In July 1941, Henry Ford wrote a short note to Gandhi praising the "lofty work" of the Indian leader. Gandhi returned the compliment and sent a spinning wheel that he had used to the famed industrialist. Gandhi signed the gift in both English and Hindi. Mr. T. A. Raman, London editor of the United Press of India, couriered the portable spinning wheel to America and presented it to Henry Ford in December 1942.