Swaraj Bhawan Museum

Originally constructed in 1871, Swaraj Bhavan (formerly known as Mahmud Manzil and the original Anand Bhavan) is a grand historic mansion in Prayagraj. It is famous for serving as the ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family and as a central hub for the Indian independence movement before being donated to the nation.

History and Political Legacy

The building has a storied history that mirrors India's path to independence, transitioning from a private residence to a crucible of revolutionary thought.

• Origins: It was built by Syed Ahmad Khan, a prominent educator, and was later purchased by Pandit Motilal Nehru in 1900 for ₹19,000. Motilal Nehru renamed it "Anand Bhavan" (Abode of Happiness) and extensively renovated it into a palatial estate.
• Birthplace of Leaders: The mansion is the birthplace of Indira Gandhi, India's first female Prime Minister. It was also the primary residence of Jawaharlal Nehru during his formative political years.
• A Hub for Self-Rule: In 1930, Motilal Nehru donated the house to the Indian National Congress to serve as its headquarters. At this time, it was renamed "Swaraj Bhavan" (Abode of Freedom), while the family moved into a newly built mansion next door (the current Anand Bhavan.
• Secret Meetings: During the 1920s and 30s, the building served as the informal headquarters for the All India Congress Committee and featured an underground room used for secret discussions to evade British authorities.

Architecture and Exhibits

Today, Swaraj Bhavan functions as a museum and cultural center, preserved to show the lifestyle of the era and the history of the freedom struggle.

• Colonial Architecture: The structure is a prime example of colonial-era design, featuring 42 spacious rooms, high ceilings, traditional pillared verandahs, and wide corridors.
• Memorabilia: The museum houses significant artifacts, including a charkha (spinning wheel) used by Mahatma Gandhi and personal belongings of the Nehru family such as furniture handpicked from Europe.
• Visual History: The walls are adorned with archives of the freedom struggle, including original letters exchanged between Gandhi and Nehru, and photographs of stalwarts like Subhash Chandra Bose and Sarojini Naidu.
• Interactive Features: Visitors can experience a daily light and sound show that narrates the history of the building, and the premises also host a school for creative arts and the famous Jawahar Planetarium.

Visitor Information

• Timings: Open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and public holidays).
• Entry: There is a nominal entry fee (approx. ₹10–₹20 for the ground floor, with separate charges for the upper floor and planetarium).
• Location: Located on Motilal Nehru Road in Civil Lines, it is best visited between October and March when the weather is pleasant.