Historical reflections reckon through all corners of Kanpur, making it a treasured storehouse of chronicled times and timeless monuments. Amid a string of memorials adorning the city’s beautiful landscape, Gandhi Bhawan located in the city’s Phool Bagh grounds speaks volumes of the city’s glorious past. Today, it has become a part and parcel of Kanpur’s illustrious heritage attracting the interest of natives and tourists alike!
Built more than 100 years ago, to mark Prince of Wales’s visit to Kanpur
Tales from the past link the construction of this monument to the erstwhile Prince of Wales, King Edward. During his visit to India in the year 1876, he toured through the streets of Kanpur too and this building was erected in honour of him, upon his death in 1910. At those times, the Phool Bagh grounds were known as Queen Victoria Gardens, where the foundation stone for this structure was laid.
Constructed on the lines of a European building, this monument has halls designed as per the western style of architecture. Earlier it was known as King Edward Memorial Hall but the name got changed after Indian Independence to Gandhi Bhawan. Marking a long journey of evolution, the hall transformed to house Kanpur Sangrahalaya or the Kanpur City Musem. You can read more about it by clicking here.
Through the past decades, Gandhi Bhawan fell victim to neglect amid the new advancements that enveloped the city. Now, the authorities are trying to revive its lost glory and the building will be revamped to encapsulate the semblances of its flourishing and forgotten times.
Building to be restored by the efforts of Smart Kanpur Corporation
Reportedly, the Kanpur Smart City Corporation has intervened to redevelop Gandhi Bhawan by adding new and modern facilities in its vast expanse. As per reports, the plans include the addition of 5 prominent things- museum, art gallery, library, ballroom and an exhibition area. Additionally, it has also been reported that toilets, cafeterias and play areas for kids will also be made in alignment with the demands of the day.
Further, the proposal entails the restoration of the four-face clock and the wooden ballroom will also be redeveloped. It has been stated that advanced projection techniques with audio will be deployed to present Kanpur, UP and the country’s history and heritage in an innovative and enticing way.
