M. J. Library

M. J. Library
Sheth Maneklal Jethabhai Pustakalaya
Map
23°01′24″N 72°34′16″E / 23.023312°N 72.571188°E / 23.023312; 72.571188
LocationAhmedabad, Gujarat, India
TypePublic library
Established15 April 1938; 86 years ago (1938-04-15)
Architect(s)Claude Batley
Service areaAhmedabad
Other information
Websitewww.mjlibrary.in

M. J. Library or Sheth Maneklal Jethabhai Pustakalaya is a public library in Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad, India.

History

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Mahatma Gandhi proposed to construct a public library by the collection of books he had at Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi donated approx 7,000[1]-15,000[2] books to start this library.[3][4]

It was named after Maneklal Jethabhai; father of Rasiklal Maneklal, who donated to construct this library.[4] It was inaugurated by Vallabhbhai Patel on 15 April 1938.[4]

Architecture

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The architectural design of library was done by Claude Batley.[5][6] It is built in Rajputana Colonial architecture style.[7]

The entrance area is octagonal space with a dome on top of it. The building is ornamented with chhajjas, brackets and jalis which Batley considered "practical climatic essentials" and rooted in the traditional Indian architecture.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Why the 80-Year-Old MJ Library Is Still the Favourite Library of Many Amdavadis". Creative Yatra. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  2. ^ A Comprehensive, Annotated Bibliography on Mahatma Gandhi: Biographies, Works by Gandhi, and Bibliographical Sources, Volumes 1-2. Greenwood Publishing Group. 1995. pp. 16, Acknowledgment. ISBN 9780313253379.
  3. ^ The Pacifist Impulse in Historical Perspective. University of Toronto Press 1996. 1996. p. 275. ISBN 9780802007773.
  4. ^ a b c Hemington, James (14 August 2014). "Iconic MJ Library to reopen soon". Ahmedabad Mirror. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  5. ^ a b Williamson, Daniel (2016). "Modern Architecture and Capitalist Patronage in Ahmedabad, India 1947-1969". ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. New York University. pp. 288–291. Retrieved 22 May 2020 – via ProQuest.
  6. ^ Pandya, Yatin (7 January 2013). "Ahmedabad: Where masters crafted their dreams". DNA India. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  7. ^ "About Us". Retrieved 18 April 2021.
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