About Mani Bhavan

After the disturbance and disorderly scenes at the time of the boycott of the visit of the Prince of Wales on November 17, 1921, Gandhiji started his historic fast at Mani Bhavan on 19th November 1921 to restore peace in the city of Bombay. He broke his fast on November 22, after normalcy was restored in the city.

The Congress Working Committee met at Mani Bhavan on June 9, 1931. On August 1931, Gandhiji went as the sole representative of the Congress to the Round Table Conference in London. He returned frustrated to Bombay on December 28, 1931. Thereafter, he discussed the situation with the Working Committee of the Congress which met at Mani Bhavan and took the decision to launch civil disobedience for on December 31, 1931. Gandhiji was arrested from his tent on the terrace of Mani Bhavan in the morning of January 4, 1932. On June 17 and 18, 1934, the Congress Working Committee held its adjourned meeting at Mani Bhavan.

Mani Bhavan is a place where Gandhiji lived and interacted with his colleagues to mould the freedom movement in the image of the cherished ideals of Truth and Non-violence. It was from Mani Bhavan that his followers and devotees went forth in the world inspired and charged with a sense of service and sacrifice. Even today, Mani Bhavan is a source of inspiration for the lovers of freedom and peace the world over.

This heritage building of national importance is a tourist attraction. It is visited daily by a large number of visitors from India and abroad. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya is open to public on all days between 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

The ground floor houses the office of the Museum and the Library that has a rich collection of about 40,000 books in Reference and Lending sections. Many scholars, students, teachers and participants of the Gandhi Jayanti Competitions use the library for reference and reading.

At the display counter are available some important books by and on Gandhiji, Gandhi postage stamps issued by India and other countries, and mementos.

On the first floor is the auditorium where films on Gandhiji are shown from time to time and recordings of his speeches are played on request. It is also used for holding meetings, seminars, discussions and various competitions held for school and college students. On the first floor is also located the office of the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Mumbai.

On the second floor, the room where Gandhiji lived and worked is preserved in its original setting. Adjoining Gandhiji’s Room is the exhibition depicting Gandhiji’s life through miniature figures.

Mani Bhavan also hosts several important meetings of social workers, concerned citizens, Sarvodaya workers, students and teachers.