Mani Bhavan is a two-storied building located on Laburnum Road in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It served as the residence and centre of political activities of Mahatma Gandhi when he used to visit Bombay as it was known at that time between 1917 and 1934.

The building has been converted into a museum and research centre. Within its confines is a well stocked library that include books by Tolstoy and Shakespeare and Gandhian literature, photographs chronicling the life and times of Gandhiji from his childhood till his assassination along with press clippings and memorabilia that is reminiscent of his time including a charkha or spinning wheel and a charpoy (rope bed) that was used by him. Mani Bhavan is visited by many Gandhians and tourists who come here to pay homage to the great freedom fighter.

History

The original owners of this Guajarati style home were the Mani family who were friends of Mahatma Gandhi. It was then owned by one Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, a diamond merchant and supporter of the Indian National Congress.

The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi took over the building in 1955 with the purpose of maintaining it as a Gandhi memorial and it has been under their administration since then. This building has witnessed some of the key political activities of Mahatma Gandhi including his 4-day fast way back in 1921. The planning of well known agitations like Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience Movement, Khadi, Khilafat and Swadeshi movements took place within the premises of this historical building. It is here that Gandhiji’s association with the charkha began.

Main Attractions

Library

The library is divided into the reference and lending sections and has over 40,000 books, journals and periodicals. The books range on subjects like Gandhian thought, the various freedom movements and agitations. It has a lot of rare and out of print books on and penned by Mahatma Gandhi.

Auditorium

The auditorium is located on the first floor and is used to play films and recorded speeches of Gandhiji. In addition, it is used to hold seminars, discussions and competitions for school and college students. 

Picture Gallery

The gallery houses old photographs depicting important events that transpired in Mani Bhavan. It also displays photocopies important letters, documents and articles written by and about Gandhiji. Replicas of his belongings and models of Sabarmati Ashram, Phoenix Ashram, Sevagram Kutir and the prison cell in which he was confined are also displayed here.

Gandhiji's Room

This is the room on the second floor that served as the living room and workplace of Gandhiji. Most of it has been maintained as per the original setting.

Miniature Figurines

Adjacent to Gandhiji’s room is a display of 28 tableaux created by Smt. Sushila Gokhale Patel that depicts his life using miniature figures.

The Terrace

The terrace is where Gandhiji used to sleep and conduct his prayers. This was also the place where he was arrested on January 4, 1932 and a bronze plaque with inscriptions has been installed here.

Research Institute

The institute is recognized by the Mumbai University and dedicated to research on Gandhian ideals. They also focus on rural development.

Sales Counter

Visitors wishing to purchase literature and mementos related to Gandhiji such as postage stamps, statues and other gift items can do so at the in house sales counter.