Karnataka has Mahatma Gandhi statues in Belagavi and Bengaluru. Both commemorate Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence, social justice, and national unity. The Belagavi statue is associated with the 1924 Congress session, while the Bengaluru statue stands between Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha.
History and significance
Gandhi in Karnataka
Gandhi visited Karnataka at least 18 times between 1915 and 1940, meeting local communities, leaders, and freedom fighters in places including Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi. His visits inspired movements such as the Shivapura Dhwaja Satyagraha and the Salt Satyagraha in Ankola (Asianet Newsable). Sites associated with his visits, including Veera Soudha, Belgaum Fort, and Khadi centres, are preserved as part of Karnataka’s Gandhian heritage.
The 1924 Belagavi Congress session
The Belagavi statue commemorates the centenary of the 1924 All India Congress Committee (AICC) session, the only time Gandhi presided over the Congress as its President. Held at Veera Soudha, the session marked a significant period in India’s freedom struggle, consolidating Gandhi’s leadership and the principles of non-violence, unity, and social reform. It also gave Belagavi a lasting place in Indian history (The Hindu, Star of Mysore).
Centenary initiatives
Karnataka declared 2025 “Gandhi Bharat Year” to mark the session’s 100th anniversary (OneIndia). Centenary initiatives included a special postal stamp and a Kannada dubbing of the film “Gandhi.” During the events, 32 km of Belagavi roads and 30 intersections were illuminated. A Virupaksha Gopuram was erected temporarily, and a photo gallery was established at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.
What to see
Belagavi statue and memorial
The Belagavi statue is a 25-foot-tall bronze sculpture, standing 37 feet including its pedestal and weighing 20 tonnes. Crafted by Arun Yogiraj, who is also known for the Ram Lalla statue in Ayodhya, it depicts Gandhi in his dhoti and shawl, holding a walking stick (NewKerala).
The statue is at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, amid landscaped gardens and walking paths. Nearby are Veera Soudha memorial hall and a photo gallery documenting the 1924 Congress session (New Indian Express).
Bengaluru statue
The Bengaluru statue stands at 85/A, Doctor Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, between Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha (Yappe.in). It is a 27-foot bronze bust on a 13-foot pedestal, for a total height of 40 feet. Sculpted by Ram Vanji Sutar and installed in 2014, it weighs 19 tonnes in bronze and 7 tonnes in stainless steel. It is described as one of the largest Gandhi busts globally.
The statue stands among Karnataka’s administrative buildings, with neo-Dravidian architecture and gardens nearby. An open plaza offers views of Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha.
Practical visiting information
Belagavi
- Location Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, accessible by road from major cities including Bengaluru and Pune.
- Transport The area is connected by road, rail, and air. Ample parking is available.
- Visiting hours Daily, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Free.
- Accessibility and facilities The area is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, with wheelchair-friendly paths and ramps. Amenities include restrooms, seating, shaded areas, parking, and refreshment stalls.
- Educational resources A library and photo gallery contain rare photographs and archival material on Gandhi’s life and the 1924 Congress session.
- Guided tours and events Local tourism offices organise tours on request and during special occasions. Cultural programs and exhibitions take place during national holidays, Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, and centenary celebrations. Events have included the “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” rally, cultural performances, and exhibitions (Finance Saathi).
Bengaluru
- Address 85/A, Doctor Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru, near Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha (Yappe.in).
- Transport The statue is 0.61 km from Bangalore Cantonment railway station and is accessible by bus, auto, and taxi. Parking is available but limited during peak hours.
- Visiting hours All days, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Entry Free and open to the public.
- Accessibility and security Pathways are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Regular security is maintained because of the statue’s proximity to government offices.
Tips and etiquette
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for pleasant weather and good photography lighting. Photography is permitted and encouraged.
- For Bengaluru, October to March is listed as the best time to visit for pleasant weather (MakeMyTrip).
- Modest attire is recommended at the Bengaluru statue.
- Check in advance for special events or guided tours.
- Maintain cleanliness and decorum, avoid littering and disruptive behaviour, and behave respectfully, especially during commemorative events.
- Cooperate with security and follow posted guidelines.
Nearby places
Belagavi
- Veera Soudha Historic venue of the 1924 Congress session.
- Belgaum Fort Associated with Gandhi’s imprisonment and the freedom movement.
- Khadi centres Promote Gandhian ideals of self-reliance.
- Gangadhar Rao Deshpande Memorial Hall Honours local freedom fighters.
Bengaluru
Nearby sites include Cubbon Park, Karnataka High Court, Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Government Museum, and Venkatappa Art Gallery. MG Road and Brigade Road offer food and shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the visiting hours for the Belagavi statue?
Daily, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Is there an entry fee in Belagavi?
No. Entry is free.
Are guided tours available in Belagavi?
Yes. They are arranged during special events and by prior arrangement.
Is the Belagavi site wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has paved pathways and ramps.
What are the Bengaluru statue’s visiting hours?
Daily, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Can I photograph the statues?
Yes. Photography is permitted and encouraged.
What other attractions are nearby?
In Belagavi, nearby attractions include Belgaum Fort, Veera Soudha, and Khadi centres. In Bengaluru, nearby attractions include Cubbon Park and Vidhana Soudha.
