Rashtriya Shala

Inaugurated in 1921 by Mahatma Gandhi during the Non Cooperation Movement, Rashtriya Shala along Bhaktinagar Station Road in Rajkot stands as a living proof of indigenous national education and Swadeshi self reliance. Conceived as an alternative to British colonial schools, this historical institution in Gujarat provided holistic education rooted in manual crafts, mother tongue instruction, and freedom struggle values.

Truth is, while many historical schools evolved into conventional colleges, Rashtriya Shala maintained its active Gandhian craftsmanship traditions. Spread over thirteen peaceful acres with shady neem trees and open air prayer grounds, the complex houses vibrant handloom weaving workshops, natural dyeing units, and vocational training centers.

The highlight for most cultural travelers is the traditional Rajkot Patola weaving unit operating on site. Master weavers demonstrate the intricate double ikat and single ikat silk weaving methods, creating geometric motifs and floral patterns on heritage wooden looms. Touring the campus pairs naturally with visits to Kaba Gandhi No Delo and Watson Museum.

Khadi Production and Living Handloom Heritage

Walking through the open corridors, you will hear the rhythmic click clack of traditional wooden fly shuttle looms and the gentle whir of spinning wheels (charkhas). Artisans process raw organic cotton into fine khadi yarn, which is then dyed using natural plant extracts and mineral pigments.

The campus operates an authorized Khadi Gramodyog sales depot where visitors can purchase certified handspun khadi shirts, organic cotton saris, hand embroidered table linens, and authentic Rajkot Patola silk scarves directly from the weavers before visiting Rotary Dolls Museum.

Historic Fast of 1939 and Freedom Struggle Milestones

The campus holds profound political significance in Indian history. In March 1939, Mahatma Gandhi undertook a historic four day fast unto death within the serene residential quarters of Rashtriya Shala to advocate for responsible governance and democratic reforms in the princely state of Rajkot.

Mind you, the simple room where Gandhi rested during his fast has been preserved with utmost reverence. Archival black and white photographs, bronze busts, and original Gujarati documents capture the intense national deliberations that occurred right here under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Kasturba Gandhi.

Visiting Hours, Weaving Demonstrations, and Location

Rashtriya Shala welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (weaving units operate primarily on weekdays). Entry to the campus is free, while the craft showroom accepts cash, cards, and UPI for textile purchases.

The institution is situated about 3 km south of Rajkot city center, near Bhaktinagar Railway Station. Spend roughly one to two hours observing the weaving artisans, browsing the khadi showroom, and walking through the shaded campus grounds before heading toward Ramakrishna Ashram or Rajkumar College.