National Gandhi Museum

Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most charismatic leaders in Indian history. He lived from 1869 -1948, when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse while climbing the steps to address a prayer meeting. Gandhi was the political and spiritual leader of India during its Independence Movement away from the British Empire. He strongly believed in and practiced non-violent forms of protest, including fasting, and inspired forms of peaceful protest worldwide. In India he is seen as the Father of the Nation and his birthday, October 2nd, is a national holiday. Internationally, October 2nd is marked as the Day of Non-Violence.

As soon as he was killed, devotees began collecting documents, books, manuscripts, personal relics, photographs and other artifacts from Ghandi’s life to make an historic collection. In 1961, the current museum was inaugurated in the current location opposite the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, a memorial at the place where he was cremated on the Raj Ghat.

The National Gandhi Museum or Gandhi Memorial Museum is a museum located in New Delhi, India showcasing the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum first opened in Mumbai, shortly after Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. The museum relocated several times before moving to Rajghat, New Delhi in 1961.

History

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948. Shortly after his death, collectors began searching India for anything of importance about Gandhi. Originally the personal items, newspapers, and books related to Gandhi were taken to Mumbai. In 1951, the items were moved to buildings near the Kota House in New Delhi. The museum moved again in 1957 to a mansion.

In 1959, The Gandhi Museum moved for a final time to Rajghat, New Delhi next to the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum officially opened in 1961, on the 13th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, when Dr. Rajendra Prasad, then President of India, formally opened the new location.

Special Exhibitions

In addition to the museum’s Gandhi based permanent collection, the museum also showcases other exhibits mainly dealing with the history of India. Most exhibits are based on Indian political leaders, and peace movements, though major world events also have collections.