Mani Bhawan, located on the Laburnum Road in Mumbai, is an old building where Mahatma Gandhi once resided. Ganghiji spent 17 long years of his life from the year 1917 to 1934. The building now functions as a museum as well as a research center.
Going Back to the Past
After coming to Mumbai, Gandhiji's stayed in this house, which was owned by his friend Shri Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri. Gandhiji played a vital role in the struggle for India's independence. It was from here that he directed major activities like the Satyagraha, Khadi, Khilafat Movement, Civil Disobedience and Swadeshi Movements. Mani Bawan, takes us back to the time when Gandhi ji held meetings with his close associates at this premises.
During the freedom movement, each day brought a new change in the Gandhiji's life. He became stronger as a person during the fight for freedom struggle. There were many changes in his dressing habits and outfits as well. His outfits were purely Indian. It was here that he changed from Kathiawadi turban to Kashmiri cap. Later it this was replaced by a white cap, which became famous as Gandhi cap. Finally he ended up wearing a simple cloth that symbolized poverty of lower class and the peasants.
What Attracts People to Mani Bhawan
Mani Bhawan is a popular place of visit in the present times. It is frequented with people of all age groups who are curious to see Gandhiji's rooms and know more about his life. The library, terrace and the picture gallery are the main attractions of Mani Bhawan. The terrace has great significance as it tells the story of Gandhiji's arrest that took place on 4th January 1932.
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Exploring Mani Bhawan Museum
Mani Bhawan is a popular museum that attracts a lot of curious visitors all through the year. The museum features Gandhiji's room, Library, Mini figure to depict Gandhiji, The Terrace, Picture Gallery, Auditorium, Sales counter and a Research Institute.
- Gandhiji's Room: On the second floor of the building is a room, which used to be the working and resting place of Gandhiji.
- Library: It is the storehouse of 50, 000 books and various journals. The books are based on Gandhiji's life, his activities, his thoughts and his freedom movements. The library is open all throughout the week between 9.30 am and 6.00 pm but till 2.00pm on every Saturday. It is closed on all public holidays.
- Mini figures: Gandhiji miniatures have been exhibited at the museum. They have been made by Smt. Sushila Gokhale-Patel
- The Terrace: Mahatma Gandhi was arrested in the year1932 on the terrace.
- Picture Gallery: Different pictures of Gandhiji's life are exhibited in this gallery.
- Auditorium: Gnadhiji's films are shown regularly. It is a place for holding seminars, competitions and meetings also.
- Sales Counter: Visitors cam buys Gandhiji's stamps, statues, literature, medallions and photographs.
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