The Historic Gandhi Hall Of Indore

Whether it is Indo-Islamic or Indo-Gothic styles, India is a country where you will find a variety of blends in architecture speaking about Indo-Gothic style. Have you ever visited the Gandhi Hall of Indore, the prime example of British influence on Indian architecture in 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

The Gandhi Hall is one of the architectural marvels that stands out as a testament to Indore’s glorious past and vibrant present. This magnificent building is known for its Indo-Gothic style and European architectural influence. It is also historically significant and was established in the 20th century, featuring intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and a majestic clock tower.  

History Of Gandhi Hall 

As we turn the pages of history, we will find out that the Gandhi Hall was originally named King Edward Hall and was built in 1904; the monument was then renamed Yashwant Rao Holkar Hall from 1926 to 1948.

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

If we look at the architecture of Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall Indore measures 112 feet in length, featuring a stage and a gallery which is surrounded by an open verandah with four corners of the building that meet the minarets or Rajput-style and is topped with domes and the entrance gate is from the southern part. 

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? 

Over time, Gandhi Hall has been under the jurisdiction of Indore Municipal Corporation and has served as a central venue for different cultural, social, and political events in Indore. It is also the hub for art exhibitions, theatrical performances, music concerts and public meetings. Last but not least, the Hall’s history and cultural significance make it an integral part of Indore’s heritage. 

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

The operating time of the Gandhi Hall is from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm every day, and there are no such entry fees to pay. 

Best Time To Visit Gandhi Hall

As the Hall is located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, the best time is suggested to be from October to February since the weather is a bit cooler, making it easy to explore the Hall and the places nearby. Suppose you are visiting during the high peak monsoon season or during the scorching heat of summer. In that case, you have to be prepared accordingly. 

How To Reach Gandhi Hall

As you know everything about this architectural marvel and its timing, here are some of the ways that you can choose to visit the Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall of Indore: 

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

Now you know everything about the Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall, but it’s not possible that you will only be visiting there; here are some nearby attractions of Indore that you can visit. 

1. Rajwada Palace, Indore 

The  Rajwada Palace of Indore is one of the magnificent palaces in Indore, and it is known for its Maratha, Mughal, and French styles of architecture. According to historical reports, the Rajwada Palace or the Holkar Palace, was established in the 18th century by Malhar Rao Holkar for his administrative roles and residence for the royal family. 

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 

If you are interested in visiting the Indore marketplace, you can visit the Sarafa Bazaar, one of the unique markets that transforms from a bustling jewellery market during the day to busy street food at night. During the day, it is a jewellery market offering traditional gold ornaments to contemporary silver pieces. As the evening approaches, it transitions with food stalls and vendors selling the local delicacies of 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 

Suppose you are looking for a place to worship Lord Ganesha in Indore. In that case, you can visit the Bada Ganpati area, which houses one of the largest statues of Lord Ganesha. It is a colossal idol, standing at a height of about 25 feet. According to legends, the Bada Ganpati Mandir was constructed in 1875 by a local priest named Shri Dadhich. 

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

Exploring the places is one part of the but finding the best hotels to stay in is another headache; here are some of the hotels where you can rest your head: 

1. Sayaji Hotel, Indore 

The Sayaji Hotel is one of the best hotels in Indore. It is known for its luxury rooms and offers top-notch amenities and services to visitors. 

2. Hotel Omni Palace Indore 

The Hotel Omni Palace is one of the most affordable hotels near Gandhi Town Hall. It provides basic amenities and a comfortable stay, which is best for families and friends. 

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

Conclusion: 

The Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall of Indore is more than just a historical building; it symbolises rich heritage and an architectural marvel. Whether you are a history enthusiast or just a traveller, a visit to Town Hall will surely be a memorable experience. So the next time you find yourself in Indore, do not forget to visit Gandhi Hall. 

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