CASE STUDY OF BAPU KUTI MAHATMA GANDHIS (1)
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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53
editor@iaeme.com
Ayu
yush Srivastava and Shashi Shekhar Singh
construction of a small hhut for her near ‘BAPU KUTI’ which was
as called as ‘BA
KUTI’. Another hut ‘AKH
KHIRI NIVAS’ is built near ‘BAPU KUTI’ for
fo the residence
of Jamnalalji.
2. CASE-STUDY
Figu
ure 1 Map Showing Sewagram Ashram [1]
2.1. Adi Nivas
Gandhiji wrote to Jamna
nalalji Bajaj on 19th March, 1936 about his ideas on the
construction of a hut for hi
his residence. “If Ba desires then with her, oth
therwise I would
live alone in a hut in Se
Segaon. Meeraben’s hut may not suffice for me. As little
expenses as possible shou
ould be incurred in building the hut and in no case should it
exceed Rupees One Hun
undred. Whatever help I might need, I shou
ould obtain from
Segaon. Whenever necess
ssary I should have to visit Maganwadi. Forr that I may use
whatever vehicle I can get.
et.”
Figure 2 Adi Nivas
The hut which was bu
built according to Gandhiji’s instructions wass named
n
as ‘ADI
NIVAS’ [2] after his dem
mise. The materials used for the construction
on of this hut, as
per Bapu’s desire, were the
th locally available low cost building materia
ials that included
a special type of locally
ly available mud called as ‘Garhi Mitti’, Ba
Bamboo grasses,
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIE
ET/index.asp
54
ed
editor@iaeme.com
Case-Study off B
Bapu Kuti – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Sewagr
gram
Sagavan woods; wheat-hu
husk, cow-dung, etc. which were collectedd from within a
range of not more than 775 kilometers radius. The hut was constructe
cted by the local
artisans with the help of local
lo Ahramites. The cost of construction off this
th hut came to
be Rupees Five Hundred after
a
its completion.
The foundation of this
th hut was constructed by using black stone
sto foundation
technology. Stone piecess were
w arranged in desired layout as per theirr available
a
shapes
and sizes. Walls over the
he foundation were constructed by using moortar formed by
mixing garhi mitti, cow-ddung and wheat-husk with substantial amoun
unt of water. The
thickness of the walls off Adi Nivas is of about twelve inches. Overr the walls there
runs a wooden framework
ork made by sagawan and bamboo. The who
hole construction
provides necessary suspen
ension to the structure that makes it earthquak
ake resistant. The
roof is covered with bam
amboo, mats and mud-tiles. The materials
ls used for wall
construction induce the property
pr
of thermal insulation that makes thee structure
s
cooler
in summers as well as war
armer in winters. It has verandah on all the si
sides along with
entrances. This gives prop
oper ventilation to the structure. A bathroom is constructed on
the south-eastern cornerr aand a kitchen is constructed on the south--western corner
which ensures sunlight in the respective rooms throughout the day.
y. Meetings and
sitting arrangements were
re made in the verandah present in the easter
tern, western and
northern sides which ensu
sures diffused sunlight in the daytime ensuring
ng comfort to the
people sitting there. Thee roof in the verandah openings were suppor
orted by wooden
piles. Wooden chhajjas were
w
constructed by using bamboos that hung
ng from the roof
which provided spaces too kkeep the articles on them.
Figure 3 (a) interio
rior view, (b) bath tub installed in bathroom of Adi
di Nivas
2.2. Bapu Kuti and Bap
apu’s Office
Initially Meeraben had con
onstructed a small hut for her to stay and to teach
tea carding and
spinning to villagers. This
his hut is about 75 feet on the north of Adi Nivas.
N
When the
rush in Adi Nivas increase
ased, it was difficult for Gandhiji to continuee hhis activities in
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIE
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55
ed
editor@iaeme.com
Ayu
yush Srivastava and Shashi Shekhar Singh
it. Therefore, it was decide
ided that Bapu should shift to Meeraben’s hutt aas she shifted to
Varun Village nearby forr hherself.
Figure 4 Bapu Kuti
Meeraben’s original hut
h was very small. The northern verandah
ah, a toilet-cumbathroom, a guest room aand an entrance on western side were addedd after Bapu had
moved into it. Bapu woul
uld sit in the corner of northern room which
ch Meeraben had
used to teach carding and
nd spinning. Later on iron mesh and glass wer
ere added to the
window near his seat forr light
li
and safety from rains. This window also
so helped visitors
to have Bapu’s Darshan (to see Bapu) from outside without disturbingg hhim. This room
was widened to make mor
ore space for visitors. A local variety of curtain
ain made of palm
leaves was put up on the door and at times of rains. A cloth fann was also hung
overhead which was move
ved to and fro by Bapu’s secretary sitting inn ssmall rooms on
the front and back sides by the help of a rope.
Gandhiji put forward hhis three desires before construction of this hut.
hu First, the hut
should cost maximum of Rupees five hundred only. Second, the materials
m
for the
construction of this hutt should
s
be brought from not more than twe
wenty kilometers
radius from the site of con
onstruction and should be constructed by the local
lo artisans and
ahramites. Third, one sho
hould get direct view of sky from anywhere
re inside the hut.
Numerous architects cam
me from all over the world to construct the hut based on
Gandhaji’s desired condit
ditions but were unable to do so. At last Gandhiji
Ga
himself
designed his hut on the bas
asis of his own conditions and it was found that
th the total cost
of construction of this hut
ut came to be 499 Rupees and 50 paise.
In these huts, the meth
thod used for the construction of foundation was
wa exactly same
as that of ‘Adi Nivas’. The
Th foundation was made up using stones such
ch that the walls
over the foundation weree constructed in a different way. The dimensi
sions of the wall
to be constructed were ta
taken and a grid framework of bamboo was
wa made of the
desired dimensions. Thee framework
f
was fixed into the ground withh the
t grid placed
over the foundation in form
fo
of wall. Now, a mixture of garhi mitti,
ti, cow-dung and
wheat husk was made and
nd was applied on the both sides of the framew
ework, making it
up to six inches thick.. This
T
gave a proper suspension to the wall
all. The bamboo
framework acted as reinfo
nforcement and the wall thus constructed is just
ju like present
day shear walls. Space waas left on the top side so as to provide proper
er ventilation and
passage of light into inter
teriors. Construction of roof and verandah off ‘BAPU KUTI’
were similar to that of thee technology used in the ‘Adi Nivas’.
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56
ed
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Case-Study off B
Bapu Kuti – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Sewagr
gram
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Figure 5 (a), (b) Picturess sshowing the arrangement of sagawan woods andd bamboo
b
on the
roof as seen from interiors, (c)
( Picture showing the Northern room where Gan
andhiji used to do
his activit
vities, (d) Picture showing the layout of the wall
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57
ed
editor@iaeme.com
Ayu
yush Srivastava and Shashi Shekhar Singh
As per Bapu’s require
irements, large space for visitors was not need
eeded in this hut.
So, there was verandah in
i north and east sides only. Entrances wer
ere there on the
north, east and west sides.
s. There are three rooms in total in this hut. Northern
No
room is
where Bapu used to sit
it and perform his activities. Middle room was made for
Kasturba. Room on the south
so
side had a partition in middle. On one side
s
of partition
was toilet-cum-bathroom aand on the other side was Gandhiji’s hospital.
al.
To the north-easternn side of ‘Bapu Kuti’ is ‘Bapu’s office’. Ga
Gandhiji used to
perform all his official woorks here. His associates like Mahadevbhai Desai,
D
Pyarelalji
and Rajkumari Amrit Kaaur used to sit here. The construction techn
hnology used in
construction of this hut is eexactly same as that of ‘Bapu Kuti’.
Figure 6 Bapu’s Office
2.3. Ba Kuti
Kasturba had to suffer man
any inconveniences while living in the midstt of
o so many men
in ‘Adi Nivas’ and laterr on in ‘Bapu Kuti’. Bapu consented on the
he persuasion of
Jamnalalji, the constructio
tion 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
ith a few women
inmates and sometimes wi
with occasional women guests.
The construction techn
hnology used for construction of this hut is exactly
ex
the same
as that of ‘Adi Nivas’.
Figure 7 Ba Kuti
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Case-Study off B
Bapu Kuti – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Sewagr
gram
2.4. Akhiri Nivas
This hut was built near Ba
Bapu Kuti for the residence of Jamnalalji. Hee had desired to
live near Bapu, but it could
uld not materialise. Guests used to live here. In the initial days
this hut was used as a treatment
t
centre for villagers. Gandhiji als
also stayed in it
occassionally. In 1946 du
due to cough and cold Gandhiji stayed in thi
this hut for some
days. He used to have sun
unbath in the eastern verandah to get rid of cough
c
and cold.
The construction of this hut
h was such that it had verandah on eastern
ern, northern and
western sides. Its construc
uction was also based on the construction tech
echnology of Adi
Nivas.
Figure 8 Akhiri Nivas
3. CONCLUSION
This study shows that the adapted construction technology in ‘Sewa
wagram Ashram’
comprises the properties
ies of earthquake resistance, cyclonic res
esistance, storm
resistance, thermal insulati
ation and is constructed in accordance with the
he sun diagram.
Bamboo frame is used for the construction of the walls along with mud,
mu wheat husk
and cow dung which provi
vides suspension to the structure and this wall
all acts as present
day shearing wall. The overall
ov
construction pattern uses light weighe
hed construction
materials thereby makingg the hut light in weight. The earthquake resi
esistant nature of
the huts has been attributed
ted to the above reasons.
Use of mortar made up of mud, wheat husk and cow dung develo
lops the property
of thermal insulation.
A further study of the
th Ashram shows that in most of the hut
uts; washrooms,
kitchens or hospital has been
b
constructed in the south direction. This
his ensures direct
sunlight, which is required
red in such rooms. Verandahs served as the meeting
me
venue of
Gandhiji with the visito
itors and as well as the waiting place fo
for the visitors.
Construction of verandahs
hs in the northern, eastern and western sides ensured
en
diffused
sunlight as per the require
irements. Most of the entrances of the hutss were
w
located in
northern, eastern and west
stern directions. These facts prove that the con
onstruction of the
huts has been in accordanc
nce with the sun-diagram.
The roofs of the hutss aare constructed using pitched roofing techno
nology. Cyclonic
and storm resistance prop
roperty of the structure is due to pitched roo
oofing in all the
directions.
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59
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editor@iaeme.com
Ayush Srivastava and Shashi Shekhar Singh
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]
[2]
[3]
Mahatma Gandhi, Sewagram Ashram (An introduction to Sewagram Ashram
established by Mahatma Gandhi and its Message), Sewagram, Wardha:
Sewagram Ashram Pratishthan.
Illich, I. The Message of Bapu’s Hut. Sewagram, Wardha: Sewagram Ashram
Pratishthan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjrywBNrKhk, Speech given by Mr. Rajiv
Dixit.
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60
editor@iaeme.com
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
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp
53
editor@iaeme.com
Ayu
yush Srivastava and Shashi Shekhar Singh
construction of a small hhut for her near ‘BAPU KUTI’ which was
as called as ‘BA
KUTI’. Another hut ‘AKH
KHIRI NIVAS’ is built near ‘BAPU KUTI’ for
fo the residence
of Jamnalalji.
2. CASE-STUDY
Figu
ure 1 Map Showing Sewagram Ashram [1]
2.1. Adi Nivas
Gandhiji wrote to Jamna
nalalji Bajaj on 19th March, 1936 about his ideas on the
construction of a hut for hi
his residence. “If Ba desires then with her, oth
therwise I would
live alone in a hut in Se
Segaon. Meeraben’s hut may not suffice for me. As little
expenses as possible shou
ould be incurred in building the hut and in no case should it
exceed Rupees One Hun
undred. Whatever help I might need, I shou
ould obtain from
Segaon. Whenever necess
ssary I should have to visit Maganwadi. Forr that I may use
whatever vehicle I can get.
et.”
Figure 2 Adi Nivas
The hut which was bu
built according to Gandhiji’s instructions wass named
n
as ‘ADI
NIVAS’ [2] after his dem
mise. The materials used for the construction
on of this hut, as
per Bapu’s desire, were the
th locally available low cost building materia
ials that included
a special type of locally
ly available mud called as ‘Garhi Mitti’, Ba
Bamboo grasses,
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIE
ET/index.asp
54
ed
editor@iaeme.com
Case-Study off B
Bapu Kuti – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Sewagr
gram
Sagavan woods; wheat-hu
husk, cow-dung, etc. which were collectedd from within a
range of not more than 775 kilometers radius. The hut was constructe
cted by the local
artisans with the help of local
lo Ahramites. The cost of construction off this
th hut came to
be Rupees Five Hundred after
a
its completion.
The foundation of this
th hut was constructed by using black stone
sto foundation
technology. Stone piecess were
w arranged in desired layout as per theirr available
a
shapes
and sizes. Walls over the
he foundation were constructed by using moortar formed by
mixing garhi mitti, cow-ddung and wheat-husk with substantial amoun
unt of water. The
thickness of the walls off Adi Nivas is of about twelve inches. Overr the walls there
runs a wooden framework
ork made by sagawan and bamboo. The who
hole construction
provides necessary suspen
ension to the structure that makes it earthquak
ake resistant. The
roof is covered with bam
amboo, mats and mud-tiles. The materials
ls used for wall
construction induce the property
pr
of thermal insulation that makes thee structure
s
cooler
in summers as well as war
armer in winters. It has verandah on all the si
sides along with
entrances. This gives prop
oper ventilation to the structure. A bathroom is constructed on
the south-eastern cornerr aand a kitchen is constructed on the south--western corner
which ensures sunlight in the respective rooms throughout the day.
y. Meetings and
sitting arrangements were
re made in the verandah present in the easter
tern, western and
northern sides which ensu
sures diffused sunlight in the daytime ensuring
ng comfort to the
people sitting there. Thee roof in the verandah openings were suppor
orted by wooden
piles. Wooden chhajjas were
w
constructed by using bamboos that hung
ng from the roof
which provided spaces too kkeep the articles on them.
Figure 3 (a) interio
rior view, (b) bath tub installed in bathroom of Adi
di Nivas
2.2. Bapu Kuti and Bap
apu’s Office
Initially Meeraben had con
onstructed a small hut for her to stay and to teach
tea carding and
spinning to villagers. This
his hut is about 75 feet on the north of Adi Nivas.
N
When the
rush in Adi Nivas increase
ased, it was difficult for Gandhiji to continuee hhis activities in
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIE
ET/index.asp
55
ed
editor@iaeme.com
Ayu
yush Srivastava and Shashi Shekhar Singh
it. Therefore, it was decide
ided that Bapu should shift to Meeraben’s hutt aas she shifted to
Varun Village nearby forr hherself.
Figure 4 Bapu Kuti
Meeraben’s original hut
h was very small. The northern verandah
ah, a toilet-cumbathroom, a guest room aand an entrance on western side were addedd after Bapu had
moved into it. Bapu woul
uld sit in the corner of northern room which
ch Meeraben had
used to teach carding and
nd spinning. Later on iron mesh and glass wer
ere added to the
window near his seat forr light
li
and safety from rains. This window also
so helped visitors
to have Bapu’s Darshan (to see Bapu) from outside without disturbingg hhim. This room
was widened to make mor
ore space for visitors. A local variety of curtain
ain made of palm
leaves was put up on the door and at times of rains. A cloth fann was also hung
overhead which was move
ved to and fro by Bapu’s secretary sitting inn ssmall rooms on
the front and back sides by the help of a rope.
Gandhiji put forward hhis three desires before construction of this hut.
hu First, the hut
should cost maximum of Rupees five hundred only. Second, the materials
m
for the
construction of this hutt should
s
be brought from not more than twe
wenty kilometers
radius from the site of con
onstruction and should be constructed by the local
lo artisans and
ahramites. Third, one sho
hould get direct view of sky from anywhere
re inside the hut.
Numerous architects cam
me from all over the world to construct the hut based on
Gandhaji’s desired condit
ditions but were unable to do so. At last Gandhiji
Ga
himself
designed his hut on the bas
asis of his own conditions and it was found that
th the total cost
of construction of this hut
ut came to be 499 Rupees and 50 paise.
In these huts, the meth
thod used for the construction of foundation was
wa exactly same
as that of ‘Adi Nivas’. The
Th foundation was made up using stones such
ch that the walls
over the foundation weree constructed in a different way. The dimensi
sions of the wall
to be constructed were ta
taken and a grid framework of bamboo was
wa made of the
desired dimensions. Thee framework
f
was fixed into the ground withh the
t grid placed
over the foundation in form
fo
of wall. Now, a mixture of garhi mitti,
ti, cow-dung and
wheat husk was made and
nd was applied on the both sides of the framew
ework, making it
up to six inches thick.. This
T
gave a proper suspension to the wall
all. The bamboo
framework acted as reinfo
nforcement and the wall thus constructed is just
ju like present
day shear walls. Space waas left on the top side so as to provide proper
er ventilation and
passage of light into inter
teriors. Construction of roof and verandah off ‘BAPU KUTI’
were similar to that of thee technology used in the ‘Adi Nivas’.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIE
ET/index.asp
56
ed
editor@iaeme.com
Case-Study off B
Bapu Kuti – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Sewagr
gram
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Figure 5 (a), (b) Picturess sshowing the arrangement of sagawan woods andd bamboo
b
on the
roof as seen from interiors, (c)
( Picture showing the Northern room where Gan
andhiji used to do
his activit
vities, (d) Picture showing the layout of the wall
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57
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editor@iaeme.com
Ayu
yush Srivastava and Shashi Shekhar Singh
As per Bapu’s require
irements, large space for visitors was not need
eeded in this hut.
So, there was verandah in
i north and east sides only. Entrances wer
ere there on the
north, east and west sides.
s. There are three rooms in total in this hut. Northern
No
room is
where Bapu used to sit
it and perform his activities. Middle room was made for
Kasturba. Room on the south
so
side had a partition in middle. On one side
s
of partition
was toilet-cum-bathroom aand on the other side was Gandhiji’s hospital.
al.
To the north-easternn side of ‘Bapu Kuti’ is ‘Bapu’s office’. Ga
Gandhiji used to
perform all his official woorks here. His associates like Mahadevbhai Desai,
D
Pyarelalji
and Rajkumari Amrit Kaaur used to sit here. The construction techn
hnology used in
construction of this hut is eexactly same as that of ‘Bapu Kuti’.
Figure 6 Bapu’s Office
2.3. Ba Kuti
Kasturba had to suffer man
any inconveniences while living in the midstt of
o so many men
in ‘Adi Nivas’ and laterr on in ‘Bapu Kuti’. Bapu consented on the
he persuasion of
Jamnalalji, the constructio
tion 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
ith a few women
inmates and sometimes wi
with occasional women guests.
The construction techn
hnology used for construction of this hut is exactly
ex
the same
as that of ‘Adi Nivas’.
Figure 7 Ba Kuti
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Case-Study off B
Bapu Kuti – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Sewagr
gram
2.4. Akhiri Nivas
This hut was built near Ba
Bapu Kuti for the residence of Jamnalalji. Hee had desired to
live near Bapu, but it could
uld not materialise. Guests used to live here. In the initial days
this hut was used as a treatment
t
centre for villagers. Gandhiji als
also stayed in it
occassionally. In 1946 du
due to cough and cold Gandhiji stayed in thi
this hut for some
days. He used to have sun
unbath in the eastern verandah to get rid of cough
c
and cold.
The construction of this hut
h was such that it had verandah on eastern
ern, northern and
western sides. Its construc
uction was also based on the construction tech
echnology of Adi
Nivas.
Figure 8 Akhiri Nivas
3. CONCLUSION
This study shows that the adapted construction technology in ‘Sewa
wagram Ashram’
comprises the properties
ies of earthquake resistance, cyclonic res
esistance, storm
resistance, thermal insulati
ation and is constructed in accordance with the
he sun diagram.
Bamboo frame is used for the construction of the walls along with mud,
mu wheat husk
and cow dung which provi
vides suspension to the structure and this wall
all acts as present
day shearing wall. The overall
ov
construction pattern uses light weighe
hed construction
materials thereby makingg the hut light in weight. The earthquake resi
esistant nature of
the huts has been attributed
ted to the above reasons.
Use of mortar made up of mud, wheat husk and cow dung develo
lops the property
of thermal insulation.
A further study of the
th Ashram shows that in most of the hut
uts; washrooms,
kitchens or hospital has been
b
constructed in the south direction. This
his ensures direct
sunlight, which is required
red in such rooms. Verandahs served as the meeting
me
venue of
Gandhiji with the visito
itors and as well as the waiting place fo
for the visitors.
Construction of verandahs
hs in the northern, eastern and western sides ensured
en
diffused
sunlight as per the require
irements. Most of the entrances of the hutss were
w
located in
northern, eastern and west
stern directions. These facts prove that the con
onstruction of the
huts has been in accordanc
nce with the sun-diagram.
The roofs of the hutss aare constructed using pitched roofing techno
nology. Cyclonic
and storm resistance prop
roperty of the structure is due to pitched roo
oofing in all the
directions.
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Ayush Srivastava and Shashi Shekhar Singh
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]
[2]
[3]
Mahatma Gandhi, Sewagram Ashram (An introduction to Sewagram Ashram
established by Mahatma Gandhi and its Message), Sewagram, Wardha:
Sewagram Ashram Pratishthan.
Illich, I. The Message of Bapu’s Hut. Sewagram, Wardha: Sewagram Ashram
Pratishthan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjrywBNrKhk, Speech given by Mr. Rajiv
Dixit.
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