Rashtriya Shala
A Gandhian Legacy: Rashtriya Shala is a historic institution founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 during the Non-Cooperation Movement. It was established on land donated by the then Ruler of Rajkot, Lakhajiraj, who was a great admirer of Gandhi. The institution was built to promote the values of self-r eliance (Swadeshi) and indigenous education. For over a century, it has been a center for Khadi weaving, manual labor, and social service. The Shala played a pivotal role in the Indian Independence movement as a meeting ground for freedom fighters in the Saurashtra region. Today, it continues to function as a vocational training center and a museum. Visitors can see the "Amber Charkhas" in action and purchase authentic hand-spun Khadi products directly from the weavers. The campus also houses a library dedicated to Gandhian thought and a school for the underprivileged. It remains a living testimony to the frugal and disciplined lifestyle advocated by the Mahatma. The atmosphere is one of profound simplicity and historical weight, making it a key site for heritage tourism in Rajkot.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 - 2 HoursPlace Type:
Historic Site & Educational InstitutionEntry Fees:
Free Entry for All: There is No Entry Fee to visit the Rashtriya Shala campus or its museum sections.
Guided Tours: While there is no formal fee, visitors often leave a small donation for the guides who explain the history of the institution...Free Entry for All: There is No Entry Fee to visit the Rashtriya Shala campus or its museum sections.
Guided Tours: While there is no formal fee, visitors often leave a small donation for the guides who explain the history of the institution.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Ideal Visit Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM when the weaving workshops are most active and full of life. ...Regular Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Ideal Visit Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM when the weaving workshops are most active and full of life.Special Events:
Rentiya-Baras: This unique festival is celebrated on the 12th day of the dark half of the Bhadrapada month to honor the spinning wheel and Gandhi’s ideals.
Gandhi Jayanti: On 2nd October, the campus comes alive with mass spinning sessions,...Rentiya-Baras: This unique festival is celebrated on the 12th day of the dark half of the Bhadrapada month to honor the spinning wheel and Gandhi’s ideals.
Gandhi Jayanti: On 2nd October, the campus comes alive with mass spinning sessions, devotional songs, and commemorative speeches.Best Photo Spots:
The Khadi Weaving Shed: Capturing the rhythmic movement of the weavers and the rows of spinning wheels makes for excellent documentary-style photography.
The Main Veranda: The long, simple corridors with their repetitive pillars and shadows ...The Khadi Weaving Shed: Capturing the rhythmic movement of the weavers and the rows of spinning wheels makes for excellent documentary-style photography.
The Main Veranda: The long, simple corridors with their repetitive pillars and shadows provide a classic "Ashram" aesthetic for photos.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Learning the Art of Spinning: Visitors can witness the live demonstration of Khadi weaving on traditional Amber Charkhas. Browsing the Khadi Mandir shop allows one to buy authentic, high-quality hand-spun cotton and silk garments. Exploring the Mahadeo Desai Library offers a chance to read rare books on the Indian independence movement and Gandhian philosophy. Photography is permitted in the courtyards, capturing the historic architecture and the peaceful environment. Observing the traditional oil extraction process provides a glimpse into early 20th-century industrial techniques. Walking through the campus reveals various social service projects, including schools for the deaf and dumb. Attending a prayer session in the Central Hall helps one experience the disciplined life of the ashram. One can interact with the weavers to understand the labor-intensive...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Freedom Movement Hub: Rashtriya Shala is famous for being one of the few surviving institutions directly founded and nurtured by Mahatma Gandhi. It is renowned for its "Khadi Mandir," which has been producing hand-woven cloth since the pre-independence era. The institution...Freedom Movement Hub: Rashtriya Shala is famous for being one of the few surviving institutions directly founded and nurtured by Mahatma Gandhi. It is renowned for its "Khadi Mandir," which has been producing hand-woven cloth since the pre-independence era. The institution is also famous for its role in the "Rajkot Satyagraha" of 1939, where Gandhi himself undertook a historic fast. -
Architecture:
Simplicity in Design: The architecture of Rashtriya Shala follows the "Ashram" style, emphasizing functionality and austerity over ornamentation. The main building is a two-story structure with wide verandas and high ceilings to facilitate natural ventilation. It spans a m...Simplicity in Design: The architecture of Rashtriya Shala follows the "Ashram" style, emphasizing functionality and austerity over ornamentation. The main building is a two-story structure with wide verandas and high ceilings to facilitate natural ventilation. It spans a massive 66,000 square yards of land, much of which is dedicated to open courtyards and workshops. The "Central Hall" is a large rectangular space designed for mass prayers and spinning sessions, measuring roughly 80 feet by 40 feet. The use of local materials and traditional construction techniques reflects the Swadeshi philosophy. The layout includes separate blocks for weaving, oil extraction (Telghat), and the primary school, all connected by shaded walkways. -
How To Reach:
By Air: 4 KMS from Rajkot Hirasar Airport; a 15-minute drive via the main city roads.
By Train: Rajkot Junction is 3 KMS away; auto-rickshaws are the most convenient way to reach Vidya Nagar Main Road.
By Road... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Kaba Gandhi No Delo (1. 5 KMS), 2. Watson Museum (2 KMS), 3. Ramakrishna Ashrama (2. 5 KMS), 4. Rotary Dolls Museum (2 KMS), 5. Race Course Ground (3 KMS), 6. Jubilee Garden (2 KMS), 7. Jagat Mandir (3 KMS), 8. Lang Library (2 KMS), 9. Aji Dam (10 KMS), 10. Ishwariya Park (11 KMS)
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: The campus is very peaceful; avoid loud noises and respect the students and workers on site.
Packing: Carry a small bag to store any Khadi products you purchase; wear comfortable sandals as you'll be entering many workshop...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(862+) of Gujarat Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Aji Dam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Atal Sarovar
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Fun World
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ghela Somnath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Green Leaf Water World
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ishwariya Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
ISKCON Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jagat Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities