Gandhi Smriti Sangrahalaya

Gandhi Smriti Sangrahalaya

Memorial / Educational Museum Government
Place Bhitiharwa
State Bihar
Virtual Museum No
Year of Establishment Not Available
Museum Type Memorial / Educational Museum
National Importance Museum Yes
Visiting Time 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fee Free Entry

Museum Introduction

Established on November 20, 1917, the Bhitiharwa Ashram (also known as the Gandhi Smriti Sangrahalaya) in West Champaran, Bihar, is a site of immense historical significance. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi founded his second basic school to educate the children of indigo farmers. The ashram served as a strategic base during the Champaran Satyagraha, the first non-violent movement against British colonial rule in India.

General Collections

The museum houses a poignant collection of artifacts and memorabilia from Gandhi's stay. The exhibits include original furniture, tools for self-reliance, and a gallery of over two dozen photographs documenting the struggle of the Champaran peasants and the birth of the Satyagraha movement.

Unique Historical Collections

Original "Bapu Kuti": The humble hut with mud-plastered walls and a tiled roof where Gandhi stayed, preserved in its original form. The Bronze Bell: The original school bell used in the basic school established by Gandhi in 1917. Kasturba Gandhi’s Chakki: A traditional stone wheat grinder used by Kasturba Gandhi during her stay, symbolizing the principle of self-reliance (Swadeshi). Gandhi's Table: A wooden table hand-crafted or used by Gandhi for his administrative and educational work.

Additional Information

Video URL
Video Courtesy
Archaeological Survey of India No
Notes The ashram is located approximately 58 km from the district headquarters at Bettiah and 16 km from Narkatiaganj. It remains a "temple of inspiration" for Gandhians, though it has faced maintenance challenges following floods from the Pandui River in 2017. The site famously embodies Gandhi's quote: "The way to Swaraj is through the door of the village school."
Artifacts Gandhi's Charkha (spinning wheel); Wooden table and bench; Bronze school bell; Kasturba's stone wheat grinder (Chakki); Original bricks carried by Kasturba Gandhi for the school foundation; Rare photographs of the indigo farmers' uprising.
Highly Descriptive Yes
Contact Details +91 79707 88770
Email ID directorculture-bih@nic.in

Artifact Gallery