In 1928, Ghanshyamdas Birla, a notable Indian businessman, built a huge mansion. In the year 1947, he invited Mahatma Gandhi to stay at this place, despite his reluctance to reside in such a luxurious mansion. However, Mr Birla persuaded him, stating that he needed to be someplace safe to avoid the outrageous environment in India, which was a result of the partition of India and Pakistan. Thus, this mansion, known as Birla House, became the last abode of Gandhiji.
This is also the place where he took his last breath before he was assassinated in 1948. As a result, the government converted this place into a museum carrying all the artefacts related to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It thus came to be known as Gandhi Smriti of Delhi. Today, we will read all you must know about Delhi’s Gandhi Smriti and why you must visit it today for a wholesome experience.
About Gandhi Smriti
Gandhi Smriti is a museum storing and displaying the important things which Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi used in his everyday life. It is a 12-bedroom house, which Ghanshyamdas Birla gave to Mahatma Gandhi to live. In 2005, it was converted into an Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum.
The museum is situated on Tees January Road in Delhi and is prominent as it is the place where Gandhiji spent the last 144 days of his life. Every day of the week except Monday, the museum is open for visitors to experience the life and belongings of Mahatma Gandhi.
At present, the Darshan Samiti, which is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, is the governing body that takes care of all the activities at the place.
Gandhi Smriti is a hidden gem amidst Delhi, which people often fail to cover when on a trip to Delhi. However, this marvellous structure is a perfect blend of splendour and simplicity at the same time.
History Connected With the Place
Ghanshyamdas Birla was a member of the Marwari Maheshwari community and an established trader and businessman in India. He worked across industries such as Silver, Cotton, Grain, and various other commodities. In 1928, he built a luxurious residence for his family in the heart of Delhi and started living there.
Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi were very close to Birla and used to visit his house frequently. When in 1947, India got the freedom it had been working hard to get for centuries, the ambience of Delhi became stressful and scary, considering the Hindu-Muslim riots and partition. As a result, Mahatma Gandhi became a threatened personality, and people started accusing him of causing a split between India and Pakistan.
Consequently, G D Birla, who was concerned about his safety, offered to stay at the Birla house for some time. While Gandhiji did not want to live in a luxurious villa despite the grave situation in the country, Birla finally convinced him and helped him continue his peace-keeping activities from the Birla Bhavan only.
Mahatma Gandhi used to hold meetings, spin his spinning wheel and hold daily prayers within the Birla House premises. However, on 30 January 1948, a hater entered the premises disguised as a disciple and shot Mahatma Gandhi in the gardens of the Birla House.
After the incident, the Birla family moved out of the place and relocated. GD Birla wanted to create the Birla House as a permanent memorial for Gandhiji. He wanted to preserve the memories of Gandhiji on the premises and keep them safe forever at the place.
The Acquisition by the Government
The government wanted to take over the responsibility of converting it into a museum and managing it. But GD Birla was not ready to give in just yet. Finally, in 1971, his son KK Birla handed over the property to the Government of India, who purchased it for Rs. 54 Lakhs. Also, the Government offered KK Birla seven acres of land in a good locality in exchange for the Birla House.
The Government made some changes to the property, and finally, on 15th August 1973, they opened it to the public. It was renamed Gandhi Smriti.
What All Can You Expect?
Gandhi Smriti of Delhi is an immense structure that looks ravishing and has some really important objects connected to the history of India. The place is well-maintained and supremely clean and is highly informative too. Let us read about what you can witness when you are at Delhi’s Gandhi Smriti.
1. Martyr’s Column
During his stay at the Birla House, Gandhiji used to do prayer meeting every day in the morning and in the evening. He used to visit his splendid gardens and hold peace meetings there. Gandhiji was talking to his patrons in the gardens when the assassin shot him, and he died there.
The place of his death is adorned by a structure called Martyr’s Column, along with his last footsteps engraved on the path. It is a really peaceful place where you can pay homage to the father of the nation.
2. Artifacts
There are various things that define Gandhiji, such as his spectacles, his dhoti, charkha, and his walking stick. You can see all such things which Gandhiji used during his stay at the Birla house, preserved at the museum.
You can also witness the place where Gandhiji used to sleep, which was a simple mattress on the floor with white sheets. The place is also filled with numerous paintings and images from the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
3. Digital Shows
To impart education about Mahatma Gandhi and his struggle for independence, the government has created multiple digital shows and movies. Some of these are animated, while others are taken from real images and instances. These digital shows help us learn about various parts of Gandhiji’s life in a quick and engaging manner.
4. Instruments
Recently, in 2005, the Government of India renovated the museum and added some modernistic instruments at the place to make it more engaging and informative. There are guides all over the place who tell you what each instrument symbolizes and how it works.
Most of these instruments are created by students or practitioners. You must have a thorough tour of the museum to witness the multiple colourful and stunning instruments that leave you wondering.
5. Souvenir Shop
The premises also has an extensive souvenir shop that sells a lot of souvenirs connected to the life of Mahatma Gandhi in one way or the other. Some of the most prominent ones include books, Khadi clothes, miniatures, and themed gifts. You can also witness a variety of clothes made from Khadi, which include Indian female and male kurtas, male dhotis, shawls, etc.
Conclusion
Birla House, or Gandhi Smriti of Delhi, is a structure that highlights the life and values of Mahatma Gandhi. It defines the virtues of non-violence and truth, which Gandhiji fought for his whole life. Outside the house, there is a pillar with a Swastika symbol engraved on it. It symbolises that the meaning of Swastika is very different from what was depicted by communist nations like Germany during the reign of Hitler.
The place leaves everyone spellbound with the level of cleanliness it has. Also, the huge amount of peace in the atmosphere similar to that in Rajghat makes you admire the principles of Gandhiji even more. So plan soon to visit this serene and powerful place to witness essential excerpts of history.