The Gandhi Museum was developed as a means to recreate events from the life of the great Mahatma Gandhi. These events have been well-portrayed at the Gandhi Smarak Sanghralay, which lies in Gujarat. Visitors get to see rare snapshots, his personal relics, documents and letters that are not found elsewhere. The museum is a part of the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.

Sabarmati Ashram was situated at Jivanlal Desai’s Kocharab Bungalow. At that time, it was known as Satyagraha Ashram. Sometime later it was shifted to the banks of Sabarmati River, which gave the ashram its current name. The ashram formed the base from where Gandhiji led the famous Dandi march, popularly known as the Salt Satyagraha on 12th March, 1930. This ashram became a national monument to mark the significance of the event.

The Museum is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the true Indian Legend. It portrays his doctrine on non-violence or Ahimsa, which was the strongest weapon in India’s struggle for independence. He used this lethal weapon because of its capability to demoralize and compel the enemy to accept defeat without any war. The museum reminds people of how Gandhiji had been a youth icon. He is still remembered for his warmth, love and immortal beliefs. The museum has been erected with the objective of keeping alive the spirit of fighting against evil. It constantly reminds people of the selfless contribution he made as a freedom fighter.

History

Sabarmati Ashram was set up on 25 May, 1915. After 1933 the ashram was disbanded. Gandhiji carried out activities like animal husbandry and farming from this ashram. The current site of the ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River is believed to be the site of Dadhichi Rishi who donated his bones for a war. The tertiary school at the ashram in those days took care of agriculture, manual labour and literacy.

To start with, Gandhi Smarak Sanghralay was placed in Hridaya Kunj. This was Gandhiji’s cottage in the ashram. The museum was designed by architect Charles Correa. It was constructed in 1963. Finally the museum was replicated to move to a well-furnished and well-designed building that was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on 10th May 1963.

Sections of the Ashram

Nandini

This is the old ashram. Visitors from India and abroad were all given accommodation here. It is located on the right side of the Hridaya Kunj.

Vinoba Kutir

This cottage was named after the spiritual teacher Acharya Vinoba Bhave. He stayed here.

Upasana Mandir

This is an open-air arena where prayers were held during Gandhiji’s time. He addressed to everybody’s questions after the prayers here. It is situated between Magan Nivas and Hridyaya Kunj.

Magan Niwas

This was the residence of Maganlal Gandhi, which was the Ashram manager. He was the beloved nephew of Gandhi and was popularly known as the soul of the ashram.

Features of The Museum

The most touching gallery here is My Life is My Message. This gallery has eight life-size paintings and over 250 photo-enlargements of the most historic and vivid pictures of Gandhiji’s life. Yet another gallery, Gandhi in Ahmedabad tracks his life from 1915 to 1930.

There is a life-size oil-painting gallery too. Visitors get to see an exhibition of quotations, letters and some other relics of Gandhiji. There is a library that houses 35000 books that talk about his work, teachings, Indian freedom movement and every other thing related to his life. There is a reading room too that has over 80 periodicals in Gujarati, Hindi and English.

The archive consists of original and photocopies of approximately 34117 letters from and to Gandhiji. There are 6000 photographs with his associates and manuscripts of his articles in Harijansevk, Harijan and Harijanbandhu. The non-profit making book store of the ashram sells memorabilia and literature related to Gandhi’s life and work, supporting local artisans.

The museum also houses the authentic Spinning Wheel, which used by Bapu –Father of the Nation. Souvenirs like the Writing Desk make one realize how great and humble Gandhiji had been in his entire life.

Information for the Visitors

Timing: During the winter and the summer season the Gandhi museum is open to the visitors from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm. These timings are valid for all days including Sundays and other holidays.