Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Bhopal Museum Displays Historic Gandhi Letters, Telegram and Photographs
A museum in Bhopal has several old items connected to Mahatma Gandhi.
One item is a telegram wishing Gandhi a happy birthday in 1947.
It was sent by Yeshwantrao Holkar, who ruled Indore at the time.
The telegram called Gandhi the Father and architect of Free India.
The museum also has three letters written by Gandhi’s secretary, Mahadev Desai.
One letter said people could get Gandhi’s autograph for Rs 10.
Other letters described requests that Gandhi could not fulfill.
The collection includes photographs of Gandhi at a London conference and during the Dandi Yatra.
The items were described around Gandhi Jayanti.
The State Museum in Bhopal holds a 1947 birthday telegram sent to Mahatma Gandhi by Yeshwantrao Holkar.
The telegram called Gandhi the “Father and architect of Free India” and wished him many more years of service.
Three letters written by Gandhi’s secretary Mahadev Desai were transferred to the museum from Tulsi Sangrahalya in 2005.
One 1934 letter said Gandhi’s autograph and four handwritten words could be obtained for Rs 10.
The museum collection also includes photographs of Gandhi at the 1931 Round Table Conference and leading the 1930 Dandi Yatra.
- Who
- Mahatma Gandhi, Yeshwantrao Holkar, Mahadev Desai, and Dr Sharda Prasad are central figures in the account.
- What
- The Bhopal State Museum collection includes a birthday telegram, three letters, and historic photographs connected with Gandhi.
- When
- The telegram is dated October 1, 1947; the letters are dated August 21, 1934, May 18, 2027 as reported, and another undated letter; the photographs depict events from 1930 and 1931.
- Where
- The items are held at the State Museum in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh; the letters came from Tulsi Sangrahalya in Satna.
- Why
- The historic documents and photographs were described on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.
- Museum
- State Museum, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Birthday telegram
- Sent by Yeshwantrao Holkar on October 1, 1947
- Telegram message
- Holkar called Gandhi the “Father and architect of Free India” and offered birthday congratulations
- Letters
- Three letters by Gandhi’s personal secretary Mahadev Desai
- Transfer date
- The letters were brought from Tulsi Sangrahalya to the museum in 2005
- Autograph request
- A letter dated August 21, 1934, said Gandhi’s autograph and four words were available for Rs 10
- Photographs
- Images show Gandhi at the 1931 Second Round Table Conference and leading the 1930 Dandi Yatra