Bihar Tourism Department is seriously developing Gandhi Circuit. Recently several places where Mahatma Gandhi spent time during Satyagraha has been highlighted and plans are in pipeline to develop them. With Gandhi Circuit coming up Bihar would easily attract thousands of Foreign Tourists who actively visit for Gandhi. Here we present some of the sites which are prominent nodes in the Gandhi Circuit.
Motihari (East Champaran):
Motihari has a great importance in Independence India Movement and was the first laboratory of Gandhian experiment in Satyagraha. It will not be incorrect to say that it has been the spring board for India’s independence. Champaran district generated a wave of enthusiasm and inspiration to the people who were thirsting for a selfless and saintly leader. The technique followed by Gandhiji in Champaran was what attained later on the name of Satyagraha.
Hazarimal Dharamshala, Betia (West Champaran):
Gandhi and his companions used to camp at Betiah in the Lal Bazar area and was the epicenter of his “Satyagraha”. The State Govt. has declared this building a protected monument. The Betia Raj Kuteherry and the Dharmashala were Mahatama Gandhi stayed and are well worth visiting by any tourist.
Bhitharwa Ashram (West Champaran):
This village is in the Bettiah Sub-division under Gaunaha Block and was one of the centers for social work selected by Gandhiji, when he was in Champaran in 1917. There is a Khadi Centre working under direct control of the Bihar Khadi Samiti at present. There is a Gandhi Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed during the Indian independence straggle.
Brindaba (West Champaran):
This is a small village in the Betia sub-division under Champatia Block. It has the Gram Seva Kendra, which had been planned to work out the deals of the Gandhi Seva Sangh. The all India Gandhi Seva Sangh in 1937 was held at this village. It was attaended by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Gandhiji stayed here in 1939 and started an Ashram, which is still functioning.
Shri Rampur (West Champaran):
It is situated in west Champaran. Gandhiji had stayed here on 16th November, 1917.
Koeldih (West Champaran):
It falls under Gaunaha Block in the Belwa Panchayat and was visited by Gandhiji on 16th November, 1917.
Amolwa (West Champaran):
It comes under Gaunaha Block in the Majharia Panchayat, where Gandhiji spent a night with his other companions on the 27th April, 1917.
Murli Bharhawa (West Champaran):
It was the native place of Pandit Raj Kumar Shukla who had been a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi during the Champaran Satyagrah Movement. He was the person who took a lead role in bringing Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran.
Sariswa (West Champaran):
Here Gandhiji and his companions had taken statement of raiyats in an open yard in front of the temple. This place is situated in Ratanmala Panchayat under Majhaulia Block.
Hardiya Kothi (West Champaran):
It was the house of Mr. G. P. Edward, a British Indigo Planter. This comes under Bishunpur Panchyat of the Nautan Block. Remains of this building are in somewhat better condition in comparison to others.
Sadaquat Ashram (Patna):
This is an important place and is situated in Digha area on Patna Danapur Road. During pre independence days it guided the freedom movement in Bihar. It is known for being associated with the memories of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Mazharal Haque and other dedicated leaders.
Gandhi Sangrahalay / Gandhi Museum (Patna Museum):
It is situated close to the Western end of Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The Gandhi Sangrahalaya (Gandhi Museum) houses a large number of items and artifacts related with Mahatma Gandhi and his satyagrah movement in Bihar. A vast collection of Gandhian literature and photographs here depicts his life and works. Country made spinning wheel called “Charkha” which was used by Mahatma Gandhi is also well preserved in this museum
(This is a special Tribute to the Father of Nation on the Martyr’s Day)