Sabarmati Ashram : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
- |
Sabarmati Ashram is a historic place in Gujarat and an important part of India’s freedom struggle. Located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad, it was the spiritual abode of Mahatma Gandhi and was home to him and his disciples during the freedom movement. The Sabarmati Ashram has served as an integral part of India’s freedom struggle and continues to be a hub of cultural activities. It also serves as a symbol of truth, non-violence and peace even in the present day. In this blog, we’ll explore the interesting facts about Sabarmati Ashram, its significance in the freedom struggle and its importance in present-day India as a tourist destination and important heritage site. We will also explore the different activities one can experience at Sabarmati Ashram, including taking tours of the ashram and its various monuments. Here’s a look into the fascinating history and geography of Sabarmati Ashram and what makes it so special.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Sabarmati Ashram
1. The Sabarmati Ashram was founded in 1917 by Mahatma Gandhi as a center for social and political action, to lead the freedom movement in India.
2. The Ashram was initially called the Satyagraha Ashram, which means truth-force in Sanskrit.
3. The Ashram has seen many historic moments in India’s freedom struggle, including the historic ‘Dandi March’ led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930.
4. The ground of the ashram was used as an area for spinning yarn which inspired the villagers in Gujarat to take up the same activity as a form of economic protest.
5. Over the years, the Ashram has been visited by many noteworthy personalities including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Paul Robeson, Arthur Koestler, Louis Fischer and a host of others.
6. Today the Sabarmati Ashram is a museum and a place of pilgrimage, which attracts a large number of people from all over the world.
7. The ashram is also home to a few of Gandhi’s close disciples, including Vinoba Bhave, Acharya Kripalani and Mirabehn.
8. The Sabarmati River runs nearby, a symbol of India’s fight against British rule and the contamination of higher caste values.
9. The Ashram originally had two huts, a prayer room, and a kitchen. Later, several structures were erected, including an office, a library, an audience hall, a wash house, two guest houses, and a cottage.
10. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was erected near the Sabarmati Ashram in 1969, by the Gujarat government, in honour of his contribution to India’s independence.
History & Information About Sabarmati Ashram
Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat is a historical ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Sabarmati Ashram was the main residence of Mahatma Gandhi for twelve years from 1917 to 1930, when he led the Non-Cooperation Movement.
The ashram was established in 1915 as an outcome of Gandhi’s visits to Gujarat for his mission of home rule. After arriving in Ahmedabad, Gandhi chose a derelict but spacious building near the banks of the Sabarmati river, and it was here that the Sabarmati Ashram began.
In 1930, Gandhi led the famous ‘Dandi Salt March’ from Sabarmati Ashram to the sea coast at Dandi, a protest against the government policy of taxation on salt and the denial of access to the sea for salt making. This iconic Salt March gave an impetus to the Indian Independence movement and attracted world attention towards the goal of freedom from the British Raj.
The ashram today is a memorial to Gandhi’s life and work, and one can find his famous ‘Spinning Wheel’ and charkha, his bedroom, a library, a picture gallery, and a museum dating from his days in Sabarmati. It is also home to a large collection of books and letters written by Gandhi from his time in Sabarmati.
The Sabarmati Ashram is also one of the places where the concept of Satyagraha was first formulated. It remains a place of interest for those interested in the history of India and its struggle for independence. The Ashram is open to visitors, and one can learn more about its history and contributions to India’s civilization and independence.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Sabarmati Ashram
Sabarmati Ashram is a beautiful spiritual retreat in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River and is historically significant as being the location where Gandhi ji resided for more than twelve years, during India’s struggle for independence.
The Ashram has been turned into a museum and visitors interested in learning more about the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, can visit the Sabarmati Ashram which has preserved in memory of his struggle and the philosophy of Satyagraha – a nonviolent form of civil disobedience. In addition to the museum, there are several other attractions in and around the Sabarmati Ashram which visitors can explore.
Things to see:
1. Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya: This is a museum located at the Ashram and provides an insight into the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum houses several photographs, statues, and memorabilia which chronicle the life and teachings of the Mahatma.
2. Ghandi Ashram: The Gandhi Ashram is the place where Mahatma Gandhi, and his wife Kasturba used to live during the freedom struggle. It has been preserved as a memorial to the struggle for independence that the couple were instrumental in leading. The Ashram also offers spinning and weaving lessons and has been instrumental in promoting communal harmony and nonviolence.
3. Magan Niwas: Magan Niwas was the library of the Ashram which was used by Mahatma Gandhi for cataloguing and preserving books related to religion, science, and philosophy. The library has been restored and is open to visitors from all walks of life.
4. Vidansagar Well: Vidansagar Well is the well next to the Ashram which was dug by Mahatma Gandhi as part of a water conservation project. This project was started by Mahatma Gandhi to provide drinking water to the nearby population and to reduce water scarcity in the area.
5. Satyagraha House: This house in the Sabarmati Ashram was the place where Mahatma Gandhi would often hold meetings with his followers and make important political decisions. The house has been preserved beautifully and is open to visitors who can access this piece of history.
6. Haripura Village: Haripura Village is an interesting place to visit while at the Sabarmati Ashram. This village is located close to the Ashram and was the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi’s father. The village offers visitors an insight into the life of Gandhi’s ancestors and provides a glimpse of the simple life that they followed.
These are some of the attractions that you should explore if you visit the Sabarmati Ashram. If you are planning to go there then make sure you plan your trip carefully to make the most out of this beautiful place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sabarmati Ashram
Q1. What is Sabarmati Ashram?
A1. Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, is a historic place located on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The ashram was founded by Mohandas Gandhi in 1917, and served as his base during the Indian freedom movement.
Q2. What is the significance of Sabarmati Ashram?
A2. Sabarmati Ashram is an important part of Indian history. It is a place where numerous important events took place, including the famous Dandi March and Salt Satyagraha, during the struggle for Indian independence. It is also remembered as the birthplace of peaceful protests and non-violence.
Q3. Are there any activities available at the ashram?
A3. Yes, there are many activities available at Sabarmati Ashram. Visitors getting a chance to visit Gandhi’s hut and also experience interactive activities designed to educate visitors about the significance of this important historical place. Special lectures and talks are also held here by experts on Gandhian thought and philosophy.