According to a different source, the question that Gandhi asks is:
"And why do I regard the British rule as a curse?"
The main reason why Gandhi asks this question is because it serves as a prompt for him to talk about his views and ideas. In this text, Gandhi wants to explain that British rule is not beneficial to India. This is the claim that he makes, and that needs to be defined. By asking this rhetorical question, Gandhi is able to provide his reasons for wanting the British rule to end.