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Vallabhbhai Patel (1875-1950) – Letter - a handwritten letter by Patel in Gujerati, whilst imprisoned at Nasik Road Central Prison. The letter makes reference to Gandhi (Bapu): Central Prison Nasik Road Date: 06.02.34 Dear sister Nanduben, Today I received letter of Maniben. I had to ask you to send the red medicines of teeth, but forgot to write that. Today I am writing so please send it immediately. She writes that she gets fast relief from that medicine. The second thing is, as there are so many mosquitos so send the oil for the mosquitos in a small bottle, packing the bottle properly so that the bottle stays intact. Send these two items to her immediately and send me the update. She has received the books you sent. Your letter is received. We both are well. Hope Jitu is fine. Hope you both are also well. It seems that the Maniben is having some tougher time as compared to the earlier. But she has become well-matured so it will not cause any trouble. Health is well and sent salutations to both of you. Chandubhai is now the guest for fifteen to twenty days. His teeth is also worsened. It is wonder itself that he has reached at this age. We receive the letters from Bapu. God is helping him maintain his health. Haribhai’s letter is received. They both are well. From, Salutations from Vallabhbhai. Stamped to top 'Superintendent - Nasik Road Central Prison' with an official's signature in red pencil. Written in black ink to a single side of paper. Folded. Measures 25cm x 21cm. 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.