Gandhi Smriti

On this very spot, Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation,” drew his last breath. Here at Gandhi Smriti, the air is thick with history. Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House, stands as a poignant reminder of India’s struggle for independence and the life of its most revered leader. This wasn’t always a place of mourning. The 12-bedroom house, built in 1928 by Ghanshyamdas Birla, once hosted lively gatherings. Gandhi and Sardar Patel were frequent guests, finding respite within its walls. In 1947, Gandhi Smriti became his final residence. He lived here for 144 days, from September 9th, 1947, until his assassination on January 30th, 1948. The events of that day are etched into the very fabric of this place. You can still see the room where Gandhi lived, preserved just as it was. His few possessions remain, offering a glimpse into his simple life. Follow the path marked by footprints. They trace Gandhi’s final steps towards the veranda where he was shot during his evening prayers. The Martyr’s Column marks the exact spot, a stark reminder of the tragedy. After protracted negotiations, the Indian government purchased the house from KK Birla in 1971. It was transformed into a museum, opening its doors to the public in 1973. Now known as Gandhi Smriti, meaning “Gandhi Remembrance,” it houses artifacts from Gandhi’s life. The Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum, established in 2005, adds another layer to the experience. Even outside, history whispers to us. A pillar bearing both a swastika and the Om symbol speaks to the complexities of symbolism and their changing meanings across cultures and time. Gandhi Smriti stands not just as a museum but as a testament to a life dedicated to peace and non-violence.