Nestled on the leafy lanes of Gamdevi, Mumbai, lies Mani Bhavan—an enduring testament to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. This double-storey residence, once owned by supporter Raveshankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, offers an intriguing window into the world of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the man on the Indian currency!
From 1917 to 1934, Mani Bhavan was Gandhi’s modest abode, the launching pad for transformative movements that would reshape the nation. So let’s dive into seven things to know about Mani Bhavan and embark on a delightful journey back to a time of monumental change!
The birthplace of Satyagraha
Mani Bhavan was a crucial hub for Gandhiji as he introduced Satyagraha as a potent weapon against injustice. From this location, he launched Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act in March 1919 and began his weekly bulletin “Satyagrahi” on April 7, 1919, marking a significant phase in India’s non-violence freedom struggle.
Father of the nation and his charkha
During his recuperation at Mani Bhavan in late 1918, Gandhi received his initial lessons in carding from a passerby, finding that the soothing hum of the charkha had no small share in restoring him to health.
The strategic hub of congress decisions
On 9 June 1931, Gandhiji represented Congress at the Round Table Conference in London. Frustrated by the outcome, he returned to Bombay and decided to launch Civil Disobedience on December 31, 1931, leading to his arrest from the terrace of Mani Bhavan on January 4, 1932.
A quest for peace in Bombay
In the wake of the tumultuous scenes surrounding the boycott of the Prince of Wales’s visit on November 17, 1921, is was here that Mohandas commenced his historic fast on 19 November, aimed at restoring peace in Bombay. He concluded his fast on November 22, having succeeded in his mission to bring about a return to normalcy in the city.
A hub of knowledge
The ground floor of Mani Bhavan features a well-stocked library with over 40,000 books, frequented by scholars and students alike. Visitors can also explore a display counter showcasing essential works by and about Gandhiji, along with Gandhi postage stamps and mementos from around the world.
Working Hours: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed on 2nd-4th Saturdays and public holidays)
A photo gallery & venue for seminars
The first floor features a photo gallery that beautifully illustrates Gandhiji. Next to it, an auditorium screens films about him and plays recordings of his speeches, while also serving as a venue for seminars and competitions in collaboration with Gandhi Smarak Nidhi.
Gandhiji’s personal space
On the second floor of Mani Bhavan, you can explore Gandhiji’s preserved living and working space. Adjacent to it, a captivating exhibition featuring miniature figures vividly depicts key moments of his extraordinary life.
A world-class museum in Mumbai
In 2020, Mani Bhavan received ₹10 crore grant for its transformation into a world-class museum, enhancing Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial on Laburnum Road. Visit and explore what’s in store!
Knock Knock
In the spirit of Gandhi’s vision, Mani Bhavan continues to serve as a vibrant hub for dialogue and community engagement, attracting visitors from India and beyond. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, aptly remarked on March 3, 1959: “Mani Bhavan in Bombay will ever remain a precious memory to all those who visited it on many occasions when Gandhiji used to stay there. I am glad therefore, that this house is being converted into a Gandhi Memorial.”
Today, the Bhavan serves as a venue for crucial meetings among social workers, citizens, and students, fostering a spirit of activism. For more info around upcoming events check out Mani Bhavan’s official website!
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person | ₹10 for students
Contact: +91 22 2380 5864 | [email protected], [email protected]
When: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Where: 19 Laburnum Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai
