The salt producers in India were not allowed to trade the salt independently in the nation, instead, they were bought by the Britishers at a lower price and sold to the Indians again at a higher price. This imported salt was heavily taxed by the Britishers, this affected the poor people of the nation.
To revolt against the unfair Salt Taxes imposed by the Britishers, Mahatma Gandhi set out on foot from the Sabarmati Ashram in Surat towards Dandi Beach on the western coast of Gujarat which covers a distance of approximately 385 km.
Upon reaching Dandi Beach he was joined by thousands of people already he picked up a handful of salt along the shore, thus technically “producing” salt and breaking the law and proving that leaders are not just leaders they are heroes without capes.
Dandi Kutir in Gandhinagar is one such museum whose architecture resembles a heap of Salt from Dandi Beach. Let’s explore the emblem of the Indian Freedom Struggle.
About Dandi Kutir Gandhinagar
- Mahatma Gandhi (On The Eve Of Historic Dandi March (11-3-1930))
Nested in the heart of Gandhinagar Dandi Kutir is the largest museum dedicated to the life and teaching of Mahatma Gandhi, it is one of the tourist places in Gandhinagar. The sleek architecture of Dandi Kutir and its 3-D visuals make it appealing, it has a beautiful storytelling impact on the viewer who comes to see the Dandi Kutir.
The museum is built depicting the biography of Mahatma Gandhi from his childhood. This museum is designed with top-notch technologies combining audio-video, 3-D visuals, and 360-degree shows, and the display is used to showcase varied knowledge. This is the only museum depicting the biography of the Father of the Nation – Mahatma Gandhi using technology.
Building Dandi Kutir Gandhinagar was a collaborative effort of architecture, storytellers, and the VFX team who have put in their blood and sweat to build this magnificent edifice with the top-notch advanced technology that portrays the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
Architecture Of Dandi Kutir Museum
Starting with Level 3 covers the childhood and adolescent years of Mahatma Gandhi from 1869-1887 where his life in Porbandar, his childhood, his marriage with Kasturba Gandhi, and his preparation to leave for London for further studies are shown in a static and multi-media format making storytelling an important essence of the architecture.
Moving on towards level 2 his life from 1888 to 1914 has been visualised. His life in England and back in India is clearly shown on the digital touch screen and wall projection respectively. At this level you can also see the life of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa, there is a 7-minute-long video with a 360-degree enveloping projection.
Level 1 puts a spotlight on Gandhiji’s life from 1915 to 1948 where you can see his evolving political career and economic ideas for social justice. This level shows his life when he traveled the entire India, his views on self-reliance and social justice are shown on 3-D Hologram and LCD Transparent screens. The floor has also shown his fight for Total Independence (Pirna Swaraja).
Coming down you could see eternal inspiration and fight for the truth that has impacted the world. Static images of other freedom fighters.
Apart from the 3-D projections and other visuals, the Dandi Kutir Museum also has a library, cafeteria, and a museum shop.
Building Of Dandi Kutir Museum
The Dandi Kutir Museum at Gandhinagar was built in two phases. In Phase 1 Mahatma Mandir was constructed in nine months starting from May 2010 to January 2011 for Rs 135 crore. It includes a convention center, three big exhibition halls, and small halls having conferencing facilities.
Phase 2 of the Dandi Kutir Museum in Gujarat includes the construction of a salt mound memorial, a garden, a suspension bridge, windmills, and the development of parking space for Rs 80 crore.
Suggest Read: Top 15 Things To Do In Gujarat
Dandi Kutir Timing
Dandi Kutir Museum Entry Fee
Hotels Near Dandi Kutir Museum
Following is the list of the curated hotels near the Dandi Kutir Museum
- Cambay Sapphire Gandhinagar
- The Leela Gandhinagar
- Fortune Inn Haveli, Gandhinagar
- Shreeji Hotels
- Super Collection
- Hotel Siddhart Inn
- The Midway Sky
- Skylon Hotel
- Pathikashram Nilaya
- Hotel Kalash
Places To Visit Near Dandi Kutir Museum
Following are some of the places to visit near Dandi Kutir Museum
1 . Sarita Udyan
Spread across 30 acres Sarita Udhyan has several trails for morning and evening walks. Sarita Udhyan also has several recreational facilities including a children’s playing area, musical fountain, and butterfly park. The butterfly park has several species of butterfly that tourists can explore and study.
2 . Adalaj Stepwell
Queen Rudadevi built the stepwell in memory of King Rana Veer Singh. Adalaj Stepwell is an architectural wonder. Every carving and infrastructure holds deep cultural, and historical, significance.
3 . Gandhinagar Riverfront
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry fee for Gandhi Kutir?
Dandi Kutir Museum entry fee is Rs. 10/- for Indian nationals and Rs. 200/- for foreigners. There is no entry fee for disabled and school/ college students.
Who is the architect of Dandi Kutir?
Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. are the architects of Dandi Kutir
What is the construction cost of Mahatma Mandir?
It cost around 135 crore to construct Mahatma Mandir