The Historic Gandhi Hall Of Indore

We know various architectural marvels in Indore, such as Lal Bagh Palace. Still, Gandhi Hall Indore is believed to be the epitome of the Indo-Gothic style of architecture. In this blog, we will study Gandhi Hall and why it is one of Indore’s best places to visit.

About Gandhi Hall Indore

History Of Gandhi Hall 

If we look at the monument’s design, it was designed by the Bombay-based British architect Charles Fredrick Stevens, who added the taste of Gothic culture to this building. However, the material was locally sourced; the white sandstone was imported from Seoni, the red sandstone was taken from the Patan region of Madhya Pradesh, and the monument was constructed in Indore. 

Another interesting part is the leftover material from the incomplete Phooti Kothi, which was also used to construct Gandhi Hall, inaugurated by the Prince of Wales, George V, in 1905. According to financial reports, the total cost of the monument was INR 2,50,000, and today, it may cross billions.

After India gained independence in 1947, the Hall was again renamed in honour of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, who played a strategic role in India’s struggle for freedom. Today, this monument is known as Gandhi Hall or Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall, symbolising the country’s colonial past and its journey to independence. 

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Architecture of Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall Indore

The Hall is on a sprawling 4.25-acre campus with grounds, open-air theatre, public plazas for social, religious and cultural gatherings, parking spaces and a huge library. The Hall is also known for its huge green cover area. 

The Hall’s Indo-Gothic style is portrayed by the pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, which are made in typical Gothic style. However, the building also incorporates elements of the Indian style of architecture, making it a unique blend of the East and the West. 

If we look at the surroundings of the Gandhi Hall, the complex also features a park for children, a temple and a library. The ceilings of the Hall look remarkable. It is made of Paris white plaster and decorated with gold and palladian arches. The Gandhi Hall of Indore also consists of a terraced roof and ornamental mouldings, adding to the grandeur of the building. 

However, one of the main attractions of Gandhi Hall is its clock tower, which is placed at a height of ninety feet and capped by a larger dome housing the clock itself. The clock is over 100 years old and used to chime daily, playing a major role in Indore’s life and helping people in their activities. Still, sadly, the clock stopped chiming. 

Even though it’s a heritage site in Indore, it was considered a delicate structure, and due to lack of upkeep, the bell chiming was unsafe because the chiming vibrations contributed to deteriorating the building. According to the reports, an 83-year-old watchmaker, P.B. Lapalikar, who helped repair the clock in 1956 and in 2013, requested the authorities to allow him to fix the clock once again. 

Fascinatingly, the work was accomplished by him, his son and his grandson, and they managed to repair the clock within two weeks. They did some anchoring work out in the building to make it safe for the chiming bell. In July 2020, the people of Indore listened to a clock ringing every fifteen minutes. 

Like every city in India going through the smart city project, Indore also went through the “Smart City Indore” project in 2021, and this Hall was again renovated and restored. Today, the Gandhi Hall campus includes a 1200 sq. m. area of the interior Hall, marble flooring, a wooden stage, unique portraits on the wall and another interior with a wooden ceiling. 

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What Is The Cultural Significance Of Gandhi Hall? 

This Hall has seen countless events that have shaped the city’s cultural landscape, from art exhibitions that showcase the works of renowned artists to theatrical performances that have entertained generations of Indore; the Hall plays a crucial role in promoting arts and culture in the region. 

It has also served as a platform for political and social discourse, hosting public meetings and rallies that have contributed to the city’s social and political development. The Hall can accommodate up to 2000 people in the building, while the surrounding grounds can accommodate more. 

During national festivals such as Independence Day and Republic Day, the complex is lit in the Indian tricolour of orange, white and green. However, there are some concerns expressed by the caretaker and conservationists over the neglect and lack of upkeep of some parts of the Hall, which need some attention and must be renovated again. 

Gandhi Hall timings

Best Time To Visit Gandhi Hall

How To Reach Gandhi Hall

1. By Road: 

The Madhya Pradesh and Indore routes are well-maintained and connected; anyone can visit Indore easily. You can take any state bus, private bus or self-drive to Indore. Take any public transport taxi, cab or auto rickshaw to reach your destination. 

2. By Railway: 

If you are interested in travelling by railway, the nearest railway station is the Indore Junction Railway Station, and from here, you can take any public transport, city bus or a cab to reach Mahatma Gandhi Hall. 

3. By Airlines: 

Land your flight at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, and take an app-based ride or cab to reach the Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall. 

Places to visit near Gandhi Hall

1. Rajwada Palace, Indore 

The Palace is a seven-storey building where the lower three floors are made of stone, and the upper four floors are made of wood. It symbolises the Holkar Dynasty, which has seen many triumphs and tragedies in history. One of the stories says that it has been burned thrice by various enemies of the Holkar family, such as the Pindaris, Scindias and the British invaders. 

2. Sarafa Bazaar, Indore 

One of the main highlights of the Sarafa Bazaar is a mix of good food options. You can taste dishes such as poha, jalebi, Bhutte ka kees or dahi vada, or you can have pizza, pasta, or Chinese; it’s totally up to you. Sarafa Bazaar is a place that offers a taste of Indore’s vibrant street food scene. 

3. Bada Ganpati, Indore 

The statue of Lord Ganesha is made from a unique combination of materials, including limestone, jaggery, bricks, and sacred soil, which is said to have been collected from other pilgrim sites in India. Bada Ganapati has become a significant pilgrim site in Indore, attracting devotees from different parts of the country who seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings.

Hotels Near Gandhi Hall

1. Sayaji Hotel, Indore 

2. Hotel Omni Palace Indore 

Staying near the Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall will provide convenience, help save you time, and allow you to explore the city easily.

Conclusion: