SABARMATI ASHRAM

The ashram was built by Gandhi in the middle of a park, on the bank of the Sabarmati river, in 1917. Ahmedabad, the capital of textiles, is the city of khadi revival. It was from here that Gandhi launched his campaigns of civil disobedience in the 1920s. Another key event in history: the Salt March: on March 12, 1930, Gandhi started from Ahmedabad a long march of 300 km to reach the salt marshes of Dandi. He reached it 26 days later, on April 5. When he arrived at the marsh, he made a symbolic gesture by grabbing some salt to protest against the British monopoly on the harvest. By doing so, not only did Gandhi violate the law, but he also provoked the civil disobedience movement that would soon spread throughout the country.

The part of the ashram occupied by Gandhi during his stay can be visited, notably a room where various spinning wheels are displayed. Another part has been transformed into a museum: a chronology of the Mahatma's life with photos and objects that belonged to him. The explanations, in English, are clear and concise. The old photos and paintings present the different stages of his life, with quotes from Gandhi and personalities who knew him. Copies of the Mahatma's letters are also on display. The library contains 35 000 books and 34 000 letters. In the bookstore, there is a large selection of books and pamphlets on Gandhi. This museum has a meditative atmosphere and also offers a nice view of the Sabarmati.