The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya (Gandhi Memorial Institution) is a museum and public service institution, showcasing the life and principles of
Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (; ; 2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948), popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist Quote: "... marks Gandhi as a hybrid cosmopolitan figure who transformed ... anti- ...
, and his role in
Bihar
Bihar (; ) is a state in eastern India. It is the 2nd largest state by population in 2019, 12th largest by area of , and 14th largest by GDP in 2021. Bihar borders Uttar Pradesh to its west, Nepal to the north, the northern part of West Be ...
during the independence struggle of
India
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
. It is one of the eleven Gandhi Sanghralayas (Gandhi Museums) in the country.
History
Years after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, an appeal was made to the citizens of India nationwide to build memorials for Gandhi. With the help of contributions of poor and rich citizens of India, a trust was established with the name
Mahatma Gandhi National Memorial Trust, for this cause. The Patna Sangrahalaya was established in 1967 near the North-Western corner of
Gandhi Maidan
Gandhi Maidan is a historic ground in Patna, near the banks of the Ganges River, in Bihar, India. The Golghar falls to its west. During the period of 1824–1833, under British rule, it was used as a golf course and horse racing track and was c ...
. It was a member of the Central Gandhi Sangrahalaya Samiti until July 1971, when the five museums (
Ahmadabad,
Madurai
Madurai ( , also , ) is a major city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and the administrative headquarters of Madurai District. As of the 2011 census, it was the third largest Urban agglomeration in ...
, Bairakpore, Mumbai, Patna) were made independent. Since then, Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Patna has been an autonomous institution.
The museum is located in a quiet place, and contains a ''Visual Biography of Bapuji'' containing photos, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and quotations; all the major events in his life are told here. There is also a section containing photographs of his childhood through the various phases of Gandhi's life, including being taken to the crematorium. A replica of his room is in the hall of the museum. The building also houses a library which has a rich collection of books, magazine, literature & audio-video material related to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, and a book store.
See also
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Statue of ''Mahatma Gandhi'', Gandhi Maidan
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Bihar Museum
Bihar Museum is a museum located in Patna. It was partially opened in August 2015. 'The children's museum', the main entrance area, and an orientation theatre were the only parts opened to the public in August 2015. Later, in October 2017 re ...
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International Museum Day
International Museum Day (IMD) is an international day held annually on or around 18 May, coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The event highlights a specific theme which changes every year reflecting a relevant theme or ...
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List of museums in Bihar
References
Museums in Patna
Tourist attractions in Patna
Gandhi museums
Indian independence movement in Bihar
1967 establishments in Bihar
Museums established in 1967
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