MANI BHAVAN - MUMBAI REVERS THE MAHATMA

WHERE I WENT

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

Mani Bhavan was Mahatma Gandhi’s place of residence from 1917 to 1934 which has now been converted into a beautiful museum highlighting his life and works.

WHAT I LEARNT

Located in a quiet leafy lane in Gamdevi, Mumbai, this modest two storied building belonged to RevaShankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, who was Gandhi’s friend and host. Mani Bhavan was the place from where Gandhi initiated several historic movements including the Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat movements. It was here that his association with the Charkha began in 1917. It is today recognised as a research institute in Gandhian thought and rural development by the Mumbai University.

WHAT I SAW

As you enter the museum, one is greeted by the bust of the Mahatma and a small counter that sells his books and publications. There is no entry fee but visitors are welcome to make a donation in the box placed there. The ground floor houses an extensive library with 50,000 books and periodicals by Gandhi, on Gandhi, his school of thought and the various freedom movements. 

The first floor houses the photo gallery where the walls are lined with photographs from his childhood until his assassination. There are photographs of newspaper clippings of important events. There is also a small auditorium that plays short films and clips from Gandhi’s speeches to visitors.

The second floor is the room where Gandhi used during his stay at Mani Bhavan. This has been preserved in its original state and sealed by glass. The room exudes his simple Spartan living with his writing table, books and bed. His Chakras remain to this day as he left them. This floor also houses a unique series of dioramas or miniature figurines which depict his life from birth until his assassination.

The terrace of this house is where Gandhi was arrested on 4 January 1932 and there is a bronze plaque with an inscription that marks the place.

WHAT I LOVED

The Museum resonates with Gandhian thought and philosophy. The idea of Simple living and high thinking is the main theme of this museum and every item of memorabilia is very well maintained and preserved.

Timings: 9:30 to 6:00 pm on all days except National Holidays.

Address: 19, Laburnum Raod, Gamdevi, Mumbai-400 007, India

Website: www.gandhi-manibhavan.org

Dr.BDL Museum

A VISIT TO THE MUSEUM

WHERE I WENT: 
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Victoria & Albert Museum) Mumbai.

This museum has been on my list for a while now. Last week however, an impromptu decision made me hail a cab and I reached the ornate gates of the Byculla Zoo. Yes, the Victoria and Albert museum now called the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is housed inside the Zoo premises. The beautiful pastel hues and Victorian facade of the building is  just a prelude to what lies inside. 

WHAT I LEARNT

Open to public since 1857, it is Mumbai's oldest museum and holds the distinction of being the first colonial building to be built specifically to house a museum. 

A very nominal amount gives you a ticket that will transport you to a different era. Starting with this vintage turnstile.

As I stepped inside the hall, my eyes blinked to readjust to the interior glimmer of lights and chandeliers and my jaw dropped. I must have been standing there looking awestruck because the  voice of a museum guide broke the spell. He was pointing to the direction of the first displays.

This is Victorian architecture at its best. This is also a shining example of meticulous painstaking restoration. 

An agreement between the Mumbai Municipal authorities, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation and INTACH in 2003 led to the creation of the Dr.Bhau Daji Lad Museum Trust instrumental in the revitalisation and management of the museum. 

And what a splendid  restoration it has been. The museum was awarded the coveted UNESCO's Asia Pacific Award for Excellence in Cultural Conservation and also the International Quality Crown award in the gold category for its focus on quality and innovation.

The curious can access the official museum website to glimpse the before and after pictures. http://www.bdlmuseum.org/

WHAT I SAW
The museum houses a large collection of archaeological finds, manuscripts, maps and vintage photographs besides silver, copper ware and costumes. 

An ornate staircase is a photographer's delight with intricate detailing. The stairs transport you to another age as you glimpse the spectacular chandelier that greets you.

One gets a closer look at the splendid ceiling from the first floor.

WHAT I LOVED

The museum transports you to another era. One minute you are surrounded by the sounds of Mumbai traffic and the hustle bustle of people making their way to the zoo and once you enter the premises, there is a kind of hush as you take in the plush interiors. 

The place has been restored so painstakingly and every section, every display hallway reflects the efforts.