Built in the year 1967, Gandhi Sangrahalaya is dedicated to the 'Father of India', Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Overcoming the shock of the assassination of Mahatma, top leaders under the chairmanship of Dr Rajendra Prasad created a Gandhi Memorial Trust, the Central Gandhi Smark Nidhi, to preserve Gandhi’s memories and his philosophy. In 1958, the committee decided to set up a Gandhi Sangrahalaya in Bihar, and Patna was chosen as the appropriate site for the proposed Gandhi Sangrahalaya and library. The Samiti started the Sangrahalaya activities on a modest scale, and pictures chronicling the life and activities of Mahatma Gandhi were displayed in small rooms of the old building. Acharya Badrinath Verma, a close associate of Maulana Mazharul Haque and Dr Rajendra Prasad, former education minister of Bihar, inaugurated the first gallery on December 16, 1967.
The construction activities started with the installation of Gandhi's statue, unveiled by the then governor of Bihar, R.D. Bhandare on June 10, 1975. A visual biography of Mahatma Gandhi contained photographs, works of art, figures, manuscripts, and citations; several significant occasions throughout his life are displayed here. Additionally, there is a segment containing photos of different periods of his life, including when he was taken to the crematorium. A model of his room is also on display here. The museum also has two auditoriums which are called the Kasturba Gandhi Hall and the Badshah Khan Hall.
Apart from this, the museum has its own bookstore where affordable books about Gandhi are available. On October 2, 2018, a new section named 'Homage to Mahatma' was inaugurated by the chief minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar. Apart from this Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Patna organises the following activities from time to time:
- Free film shows on relevant and contemporary issues.
- Meetings and seminars.
- Exhibition on teachings of Gandhian values.
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Both these statues are made of bronze. One can find a brief description about them on the marble slab.
Affordable books on Mahatma Gandhi published by Navjiyan Trust, Sasta Sahitya Mandal, and Sarva Seva Sangh are available for sale. Gandhi Literature Center was inaugurated by the then governor of Bihar, Dr A.R. Qidwai, on October 2, 1989.
This statue is placed in a park that is known as Ekadash Park, located inside the museum premises. During the freedom struggle, Gandhi had prepared a blueprint of independent India. He penned down 'Eleven Vows' that are on display in this park.
Inaugurated by the chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, 'Homage to Mahatma' contains a collection of tributes given by various leaders from all of the world to Gandhi.
Inaugurated by the chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, 'Homage to Mahatma' contains a collection of tributes given by various leaders from all of the world to Gandhi. The gallery also has a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Kargha machine was used during the Indian freedom struggle for the manufacturing of khadi clothes. The idea behind khadi clothes was to discard British goods and promote Indian handloom.