When you visit Mumbai, India, take time to explore Rajgruha (also spelled Rajgraha or Rajgriha), the historic house and memorial of the renowned leader and barrister B. R. Ambedkar.
Located in the Hindu colony of Dadar, this three-story mansion offers you a meaningful look into the life of the Indian leader who lived here for 15 to 20 years with his family. Originally constructed between 1931 and 1933 to accommodate Ambedkar's rapidly expanding book collection—which eventually grew to over 50,000 volumes—the building became a heritage monument in 2013. As you explore the site, you will discover a heritage museum on the ground floor, which originally housed family living quarters across two blocks of three rooms.
Above, the first floor once arranged his extensive personal library and office, making it one of the largest personal libraries in the world at the time of his death. Today, Rajgruha stands as a popular, reverent destination for Ambedkarite Buddhists and Dalits, drawing millions of visitors on December 6 before they proceed to Chaitya Bhoomi in Shivaji Park. Protected by permanent police security, this historic memorial provides a fascinating stop for anyone interested in Indian history and culture.
What to see at Rajgruha
- Ground-floor heritage museum dedicated to the life and legacy of B. R. Ambedkar
- Site of Ambedkar's former library, which housed over 50,000 books during his lifetime
- Historic three-story mansion in Dadar completed in 1933 and designated a heritage monument in 2013
- A deeply significant pilgrimage destination for Ambedkarite Buddhists and Dalits
Visiting tips
If you prefer to avoid massive crowds, keep in mind that millions of people visit Rajgruha on December 6 prior to visiting Chaitya Bhoomi in Shivaji Park.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Rajgruha is easy to reach on Mumbai’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and EsselWorld. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mumbai travel guide.
See the full Mumbai travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.