Gandhi's Home in Sewagram

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)
Volume 6, Issue 7, Jul 2015, pp. 53-60, Article ID: IJCIET_06_07_007
Available online at
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JTypeIJCIET&VType=6&IType=7
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316
© IAEME Publication
___________________________________________________________________________
CASE-STUDY OF BAPU KUTI – MAHATMA
GANDHI’S HOME IN SEWAGRAM
Ayush Srivastava and Shashi Shekhar Singh
Department of Civil Engineering, MVN University,
Palwal, Haryana, India,
ABSTRACT
In early 1936, Gandhiji expressed his wish to make his residence in a
village after leaving Sabarmati Ashram. On 30th April, 1936 Gandhiji shifted
his residence to Segaon village. This work shows the construction technology
used for Gandhiji’s home along with its historical and social importance. The
house was built under the condition, put forth by Mahatma Gandhi, that the
overall cost should not exceed 500 rupees (for Bapu Kuti). As per the study of
Bapu Kuti, we figured out that it has been engineered as earthquake resistant,
cyclonic resistant, storm resistant, thermal insulated and follows sun-diagram.
Key words: Sewagram, Adi Nivas, Bapu Kuti, Bapu’s Office, Ba Kuti and
Akhiri Nivas.
Cite this Article: Srivastava, A. and Singh, S. S.. Case-Study of Bapu Kuti –
Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Sewagram. International Journal of Civil
Engineering and Technology, 6(7), 2015, pp. 53-60.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JTypeIJCIET&VType=6&IType=7
_____________________________________________________________________
1. INTRODUCTION
The hut which was built according to Gandhiji’s instructions was called as ‘ADI
NIVAS’ after his demise. The materials used for the construction of this hut, as per
Bapu’s desire was collected from within 75 kilometers radius. The local artisans with
the help of Ahramites built this hut. Along with Bapu and Ba (Kasturaba Gandhi),
Pyarelalji, Saint Tukadoji Maharaj, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, etc, would also live in
this hut from time to time together with occasional guests. Bapu lived in one corner of
the hall where he would meet visitors and also conduct all his readings, writings and
spinning activities. This hut witnessed the first meeting of ‘Quit India Movement’.
When the rush in ‘ADI NIVAS’ increased, it became difficult for Gandhiji to continue
his activities in it. Therefore, it was decided that Bapu should shift to Meeraben’s hut,
while she prepared another hut nearby for herself. These huts later came to be known
as ‘BAPU KUTI’ and ‘BAPU’S OFFICE’ respectively. Kasturba Gandhi had to suffer
many inconveniences while living in the midst of so many men in ‘ADI NIVAS’ and
‘BAPU KUTI’ later on in. Bapu consented on the persuasion of Jamnalalji, the

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construction of a small hut for her near ‘BAPU KUTI’ which was called as ‘BA
KUTI’. Another hut ‘AKHIRI NIVAS’
of Jamnalalji.
2. CASE-STUDY
Figure
2.1. Adi Nivas
Gandhiji wrote to Jamnalalji Bajaj on 19
construction of a hut for his residence. “If Ba desires then with her, otherwise I would
live alone in a hut in Segaon. Meeraben’s hut may not suffice for me. As little
expenses as possible should be incurred in building
exceed Rupees One Hundred. Whatever help I might need, I should obtain from
Segaon. Whenever necessary I should have to visit Maganwadi. For that I may use
whatever vehicle I can get.”
The hut which was built according to Gandhiji’s instructions was named as ‘ADI
NIVAS’ [2] after his demise. The materials used for the construction of this hut, as
per Bapu’s desire, were the locally available low cost building materials that inc
a special type of locally available mud called as ‘Garhi Mitti’, Bamboo grasses,
ET/index.asp 54 editor@iaeme.com
KUTI’. Another hut ‘AKHIRI NIVAS’ is built near ‘BAPU KUTI’ for the residence
Figure 1 Map Showing Sewagram Ashram [1]
Gandhiji wrote to Jamnalalji Bajaj on 19th
March, 1936 about his ideas on the
expenses as possible should be incurred in building the hut and in no case should it
whatever vehicle I can get.”
Figure 2 Adi Nivas
after his demise. The materials used for the construction of this hut, as
per Bapu’s desire, were the locally available low cost building materials that inc
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is built near ‘BAPU KUTI’ for the residence
March, 1936 about his ideas on the
the hut and in no case should it
after his demise. The materials used for the construction of this hut, as
per Bapu’s desire, were the locally available low cost building materials that included

Case-Study of Bapu Kuti
Sagavan woods; wheat-husk, cow
range of not more than 75 kilometers radius. The hut was constructed by the local
artisans with the help of local Ahramites. The cost of construction of this hut came to
be Rupees Five Hundred after its completion.
The foundation of this hut was constructed by using black stone foundation
technology. Stone pieces were arranged in desired layout a
and sizes. Walls over the foundation were constructed by using mortar formed by
mixing garhi mitti, cow-dung and wheat
thickness of the walls of Adi Nivas is of about twelve inches. Ov
runs a wooden framework made by sagawan and bamboo. The whole construction
provides necessary suspension to the structure that makes it earthquake resistant. The
roof is covered with bamboo, mats and mud
construction induce the property of thermal insulation that makes the structure cooler
in summers as well as warmer in winters. It has verandah on all the sides along with
entrances. This gives proper ventilation to the structure. A bathroom is construct
the south-eastern corner and a kitchen is constructed on the south
which ensures sunlight in the respective rooms throughout the day. Meetings and
sitting arrangements were made in the verandah present in the eastern, western and
northern sides which ensures diffused sunlight in the daytime ensuring comfort to the
people sitting there. The roof in the verandah openings were supported by wooden
piles. Wooden chhajjas were constructed by using bamboos that hung from the roof
which provided spaces to keep the articles on them.
Figure 3 (a) interior view,
2.2. Bapu Kuti and Bapu’s
Initially Meeraben had constructed a small hut for her to stay and to teach carding and
spinning to villagers. This hut is about 75 feet on the north of Adi Nivas. When the
rush in Adi Nivas increased, it was difficult for Gandhiji to continue his activiti
Study of Bapu Kuti – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Sewagram
husk, cow-dung, etc. which were collected from within a
ith the help of local Ahramites. The cost of construction of this hut came to
be Rupees Five Hundred after its completion.
technology. Stone pieces were arranged in desired layout as per their available shapes
dung and wheat-husk with substantial amount of water. The
thickness of the walls of Adi Nivas is of about twelve inches. Over the walls there
roof is covered with bamboo, mats and mud-tiles. The materials used for wal
entrances. This gives proper ventilation to the structure. A bathroom is construct
eastern corner and a kitchen is constructed on the south-
ern sides which ensures diffused sunlight in the daytime ensuring comfort to the
d spaces to keep the articles on them.
interior view, (b) bath tub installed in bathroom of Adi Nivas
apu’s Office
rush in Adi Nivas increased, it was difficult for Gandhiji to continue his activiti
Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Sewagram
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dung, etc. which were collected from within a
ith the help of local Ahramites. The cost of construction of this hut came to
s per their available shapes
husk with substantial amount of water. The
er the walls there
tiles. The materials used for wall
entrances. This gives proper ventilation to the structure. A bathroom is constructed on
-western corner
ern sides which ensures diffused sunlight in the daytime ensuring comfort to the
bath tub installed in bathroom of Adi Nivas
rush in Adi Nivas increased, it was difficult for Gandhiji to continue his activities in

it. Therefore, it was decided that Bapu should shift to Meeraben’s hut as she shifted to
Varun Village nearby for herself.
Meeraben’s original hut was very small. The northern verandah, a toilet
bathroom, a guest room and an e
moved into it. Bapu would sit in the corner of northern room which Meeraben had
used to teach carding and spinning. Later on iron mesh and glass were added to the
window near his seat for light and safety f
to have Bapu’s Darshan (to see Bapu) from outside without disturbing him. This room
was widened to make more space for visitors. A local variety of curtain made of palm
leaves was put up on the door and at times
overhead which was moved to and fro by Bapu’s secretary sitting in small rooms on
the front and back sides by the help of a rope.
Gandhiji put forward his three desires before construction of this hut. First, the hut
should cost maximum of Rupees five hundred only. Second, the materials for the
construction of this hut should be brought from not more than twenty kilometers
radius from the site of construction and should be constructed by the local artisans and
ahramites. Third, one should get direct view of sky from anywhere inside the hut.
Numerous architects came from all over the world to construct the hut based on
Gandhaji’s desired conditions but were unable to do so. At last Gandhiji himself
designed his hut on the basis of his own conditions and it was found that the total cost
of construction of this hut came to be 499 Rupees and 50 paise.
In these huts, the method used for the construction of foundation was exactly same
as that of ‘Adi Nivas’. The foundation was ma
over the foundation were constructed in a different way. The dimensions of the wall
to be constructed were taken and a grid framework of bamboo was made of the
desired dimensions. The framework was fixed into the grou
over the foundation in form of wall. Now, a mixture of garhi mitti, cow
wheat husk was made and was applied on the both sides of the framework, making it
up to six inches thick. This gave a proper suspension to the wall. Th
framework acted as reinforcement and the wall thus constructed is just like present
day shear walls. Space was left on the top side so as to provide proper ventilation and
passage of light into interiors. Construction of roof and verandah of ‘BAPU
were similar to that of the technology used in the ‘Adi Nivas’.
Varun Village nearby for herself.
Figure 4 Bapu Kuti
Meeraben’s original hut was very small. The northern verandah, a toilet
bathroom, a guest room and an entrance on western side were added after Bapu had
window near his seat for light and safety from rains. This window also helped visitors
leaves was put up on the door and at times of rains. A cloth fan was also hung
the front and back sides by the help of a rope.
uld cost maximum of Rupees five hundred only. Second, the materials for the
Third, one should get direct view of sky from anywhere inside the hut.
asis of his own conditions and it was found that the total cost
of construction of this hut came to be 499 Rupees and 50 paise.
as that of ‘Adi Nivas’. The foundation was made up using stones such that the walls
desired dimensions. The framework was fixed into the ground with the grid placed
over the foundation in form of wall. Now, a mixture of garhi mitti, cow
up to six inches thick. This gave a proper suspension to the wall. Th
passage of light into interiors. Construction of roof and verandah of ‘BAPU
were similar to that of the technology used in the ‘Adi Nivas’.
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Meeraben’s original hut was very small. The northern verandah, a toilet-cum-
ntrance on western side were added after Bapu had
rom rains. This window also helped visitors
of rains. A cloth fan was also hung
uld cost maximum of Rupees five hundred only. Second, the materials for the
Third, one should get direct view of sky from anywhere inside the hut.
asis of his own conditions and it was found that the total cost
de up using stones such that the walls
nd with the grid placed
over the foundation in form of wall. Now, a mixture of garhi mitti, cow-dung and
up to six inches thick. This gave a proper suspension to the wall. The bamboo
passage of light into interiors. Construction of roof and verandah of ‘BAPU KUTI’

Figure 5 (a), (b) Pictures showing the arrangement of sagawan woods and bamboo on the
roof as seen from interiors, (c)
his activities,
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
ictures showing the arrangement of sagawan woods and bamboo on the
(c) Picture showing the Northern room where Gandhiji used to do
his activities, (d) Picture showing the layout of the wall
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ictures showing the arrangement of sagawan woods and bamboo on the
Picture showing the Northern room where Gandhiji used to do

As per Bapu’s requirements, large space for visitors was not needed in this hut.
So, there was verandah in north and east sides only. En
north, east and west sides. There are three rooms in total in this hut. Northern room is
where Bapu used to sit and perform his activities. Middle room was made for
Kasturba. Room on the south side had a partition in middle. On on
was toilet-cum-bathroom and on the other side was Gandhiji’s hospital.
To the north-eastern side of ‘Bapu Kuti’ is ‘Bapu’s office’. Gandhiji used to
perform all his official works here. His associates like Mahadevbhai Desai, Pyarelalji
and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur used to sit here. The construction technology used in
construction of this hut is exactly same as that of ‘Bapu Kuti’.
2.3. Ba Kuti
Kasturba had to suffer many inconveniences while living in the midst of so
in ‘Adi Nivas’ and later on in ‘Bapu Kuti’. Bapu consented on the persuasion of
Jamnalalji, the construction of a small hut for her near ‘Bapu Kuti’. The hut which
was then built is called as “BA KUTI”. Kasturba lived in this hut with a few women
inmates and sometimes with occasional women guests.
The construction technology used for construction of this hut is exactly the same
as that of ‘Adi Nivas’.
So, there was verandah in north and east sides only. Entrances were there on the
Kasturba. Room on the south side had a partition in middle. On one side of partition
bathroom and on the other side was Gandhiji’s hospital.
eastern side of ‘Bapu Kuti’ is ‘Bapu’s office’. Gandhiji used to
construction of this hut is exactly same as that of ‘Bapu Kuti’.
Figure 6 Bapu’s Office
Kasturba had to suffer many inconveniences while living in the midst of so
inmates and sometimes with occasional women guests.
Figure 7 Ba Kuti
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trances were there on the
e side of partition
bathroom and on the other side was Gandhiji’s hospital.
eastern side of ‘Bapu Kuti’ is ‘Bapu’s office’. Gandhiji used to
Kasturba had to suffer many inconveniences while living in the midst of so many men

2.4. Akhiri Nivas
This hut was built near Bapu Kuti for the residence of
live near Bapu, but it could not materialise. Guests used to live here. In the initial days
this hut was used as a treatment centre for villagers. Gandhiji also stayed in it
occassionally. In 1946 due to cough and cold Gandhij
days. He used to have sunbath in the eastern verandah to get rid of cough and cold.
The construction of this hut was such that it had verandah on eastern, northern and
western sides. Its construction was also based on the cons
Nivas.
3. CONCLUSION
This study shows that the adapted construction technology in ‘Sewagram Ashram’
comprises the properties of earthquake resistance, cyclonic resistance, storm
resistance, thermal insulati
Bamboo frame is used for the construction of the walls along with mud, wheat husk
and cow dung which provides suspension to the structure and this wall acts as present
day shearing wall. The overal
materials thereby making the hut light in weight. The earthquake resistant nature of
the huts has been attributed to the above reasons.
Use of mortar made up of mud, wheat husk and cow dung develops th
of thermal insulation.
A further study of the Ashram shows that in most of the huts; washrooms,
kitchens or hospital has been constructed in the south direction. This ensures direct
sunlight, which is required in such rooms. Verandahs served as
Gandhiji with the visitors and as well as the waiting place for the visitors.
Construction of verandahs in the northern, eastern and western sides ensured diffused
sunlight as per the requirements. Most of the entrances of the huts wer
northern, eastern and western directions. These facts prove that the construction of the
huts has been in accordance with the sun
The roofs of the huts are constructed using pitched roofing technology. Cyclonic
and storm resistance property of the structure is due to pitched roofing in all the
directions.
This hut was built near Bapu Kuti for the residence of Jamnalalji. He had desired to
occassionally. In 1946 due to cough and cold Gandhiji stayed in this hut for some
western sides. Its construction was also based on the construction technology of Adi
Figure 8 Akhiri Nivas
resistance, thermal insulation and is constructed in accordance with the sun diagram.
day shearing wall. The overall construction pattern uses light weighed construction
the huts has been attributed to the above reasons.
Use of mortar made up of mud, wheat husk and cow dung develops th
sunlight, which is required in such rooms. Verandahs served as the meeting venue of
sunlight as per the requirements. Most of the entrances of the huts wer
huts has been in accordance with the sun-diagram.
roperty of the structure is due to pitched roofing in all the
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Jamnalalji. He had desired to
i stayed in this hut for some
truction technology of Adi
on and is constructed in accordance with the sun diagram.
l construction pattern uses light weighed construction
Use of mortar made up of mud, wheat husk and cow dung develops the property
the meeting venue of
sunlight as per the requirements. Most of the entrances of the huts were located in
roperty of the structure is due to pitched roofing in all the

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
On our visit to Sewagram Ashram Mr. Pradeep Dixit, Swadeshi Gram, Rajiv Dixit
Memorial Swadeshi Utthan Sanstha, Sewagram, helped us arranging visits to the
Ashram along with providing the necessary details of the Ashram throughout the
project completion. We would also like to thank Mr. Prabhakar Atram, Malti Tai and
all other dignitaries present in the Ashram to guide us and co-operate for completion
of the project.
REFERENCES
[1] Mahatma Gandhi, Sewagram Ashram (An introduction to Sewagram Ashram
established by Mahatma Gandhi and its Message), Sewagram, Wardha:
Sewagram Ashram Pratishthan.
[2] Illich, I. The Message of Bapu’s Hut. Sewagram, Wardha: Sewagram Ashram
Pratishthan.
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjrywBNrKhk, Speech given by Mr. Rajiv
Dixit.

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