Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Maharashtra Govt to Acquire London's India House for Savarkar Memorial
The government in Maharashtra, India, wants to buy an old building in London called India House.
This house was important because an Indian freedom fighter named Vinayak Damodar Savarkar lived there a long time ago.
The government plans to turn it into a special place to remember him and the history of India's fight for freedom.
They will create a team to figure out how to buy and take care of the building.
This is also part of a bigger plan to build memorials for Indian heroes.
They also announced plans for a big memorial for another historical figure, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, in a part of India called Ratnagiri.
Maharashtra government plans to acquire historic India House in London.
The building, associated with freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, will be turned into a memorial.
The decision was made in a meeting chaired by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar.
A multi-departmental committee will be formed to oversee the acquisition and preservation of India House.
The state government also approved plans for a grand memorial of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Ratnagiri district.
- Who
- Maharashtra Government, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, BJP MLA Devyani Farande
- What
- Plans to acquire historic India House in London to convert it into a memorial for freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
- When
- Decision made on Wednesday; a committee will be formed to prepare a report.
- Where
- London, UK (India House at Cromwell Avenue); also mentions plans for a memorial in Ratnagiri district, India.
- Why
- To preserve the historical significance of India House and its association with Savarkar and the Indian nationalist movement among the diaspora.
Existing Structure
Proposed Acquisition
India House Identity
Existing Structure
There are two properties named 'India House' in London. One is at 65 Cromwell Avenue, historically significant for freedom fighters. The other is at Aldwych, a diplomatic building housing the High Commission of India.
Proposed Acquisition
The Maharashtra government plans to acquire the India House at 65 Cromwell Avenue, Highgate, London, which was a residence for Indian freedom fighters like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and established by Shamji Krishna Varma.
- Location
- Cromwell Avenue, Highgate, London
- Historical Significance
- Residence of Indian freedom fighters, notably Vinayak Damodar Savarkar; established by Shamji Krishna Varma in 1905.
- Purpose
- To be preserved as a memorial and historical site.
- Initiating Body
- Maharashtra Government
- Committee Head
- 'Mitra' (Maharashtra Institution for Transformation)
- Associated Project
- Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj memorial in Ratnagiri district.
