Gandhi Ashram

To many of us mere mentioning of the name Ahmedabad brings the images of the mahatma Gandhi into our minds. Born in the state of Gujarat , Gandhi remains one of the greatest men of all times to come. Thus visiting the place where he spent a major part of his life working endlessly towards the goal of India ’s independence becomes like a visit to a pilgrimage. The Sabarmati Ashram was founded on the banks of river Sabarmati in 1915 by Gandhiji after his return from South Africa in order to settle in the city of Ahmedabad. The beautiful ashram complex of Ahmedabad, with it's shady trees and peaceful surrounding offers a refuge from the loud streets of the city, and is one the foremost tourist attractions of Ahmedabad.

Historical importance

The Gandhi Ashram is historically very significant for being the center from which many decisions were taken concerning the Indian Freedom movement in the later years. The first struggle that Gandhiji spearheaded from Sabarmati Ashram that of textile mill workers association became a major turning point in the Indian history as it brought many important figures like Vallabh Bhai Patel, Shankerlal Banker and Ansuyaben Sarabhai into his contact.

This ashram was Gandhi's headquarters during the long struggle for Indian independence. His activities were not merely confined to political awakening but also targeted the social rejuvenation. His Charkha and untouchability abolition campaign were aimed at bringing the masses into the national mainstream. Gandhi’s Ashram served as a testing ground where he tested his experiments before he applied them into his movements. The ashram still continues making handicraft, handmade paper and spinning wheels. His autobiography "My Experiments with Truth" the famous book was written at the Sabarmati Ashram. One of the most significant aspects of this ashram is that it was the starting point of his historically important Dandi march on 12 March 1930 , which culminated in civil disobedience movement.

The ashram

While at the ashram, Gandhiji use to live in a small cottage which is now called as 'Hridaya (Heart) Kunj'. Things like - a writing desk, a Khadi kurta, a yarn spun by Gandhiji and some of his letters can be seen even today.

Nandini: The guesthouse where guest from India and abroad stay.

Vinoba Kutir:The place where Acharya Vinoba Bhave stayed. It is also known as Mira Kutir named after Miraben.

Upasana Mandir: An open-air prayer ground where Gandhiji used to pray and give solutions to people’s queries after prayers.

The Spartan quarters used by Gandhi is now converted into a small museum which houses eight life-sized colour oil- paintings and an exhibition on Gandhiji's life 'My life is My Message' and 'Gandhiji in Ahmedabad'. An archive has also been set which stores 34,066 letters by Gandhiji, manuscripts of his 8,633 articles, negatives of 6,367 photographs, 134 reels of microfilms of his writings, 210 films on Gandhiji and the freedom struggle. The library has over 30,000 books, 155 letters of felicitation received by Gandhiji, besides a miscellaneous memorabilia comprising of coins, postal stamps etc. It also has a museum which looks after the publication and sale of Gandhian literature.

The Sangrahalaya and the ashram remain open for visitors from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. on all days including Sundays and Holidays. There is a sound-and-light show at 6:30 pm (in Gujarati) and 8:30 pm (in English on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday and in Hindi on the other nights at the ashram.

The Dada Hari Wav (Step-Wells)

The baoli or step-wells found in most parts of Gujarat are very specific to its character. Among many such step-wells the Dada Hari Wav well is the best known for its beauty and magnificent design. The well built in 1501 by a woman of Sultan Begara’s harem depicts the Gujarat i style of architecture. A series of steps goes down to the base where a n octagonal well is located. The wells get cooler as one goes deeper and deeper inside the well through the steps. The water level changes depending upon the season . At times the well gets completely dry. The signs of neglect on its structures can be easily seen . Equally neglected is the mosque and tomb of Dada Hari situated behind the well. In its heydays the well was built keeping dual purpose of providing a reliable water supply and offering shelter from the mid-day sun in mind.

One can see the beautiful floral patterns on its walls inside the well between 10 and 11am when the whole structure is bathed in sunlight. At other times the sunlight fails to reach inside properly.

About 200m north of Dada Hari’s wav there is another well-called Mata Bhavani’s well, which can also be visited .

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, built in 1573, is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad. It was built by Sidi Saiyyed , a slave of Sultan Ahmad Shah.It is famous for it's splendid Jhali screen, framed, in the ten semi-circular windows. It is a superb example of delicate carving that transforms atone into filigree. The Mosque of Sidi Saiyyed, near Lal Darwaja is world famous for its exclusive stone tracery. The rear wall of the mosque is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs. The two bays flanking the central aisle have slabs of design of intertwined tree and foliage, a palm and parasite motif. This intricately carved stone window is called the Sidi Saiyyed Jali. One of the best examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture is the jali screen windows of the mosques .
The place can be reached easily by local buses from different parts of the city - some of them are 32, 42, 60, 152 -153 from Lal Darwaza.

Kankaria Lake is popular both among adults and children because of many means of recreation it provides for them.