Ahmedabad, March 31
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the newly built Samrat Samprati Museum in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar district, marking Mahavir Jayanti with a tribute to Jain heritage and the values of non-violence and compassion. The museum, located in Koba village at the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, was opened on Tuesday in the presence of Jain seers and religious leaders.
Named after Samrat Samprati Maharaj, a Mauryan ruler and grandson of Emperor Ashoka, the museum honours a historical figure widely associated with the spread of Jainism and the principle of ahimsa (non-violence). According to an official statement, the museum houses more than 2,000 rare artefacts, including ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures, miniature paintings, silver chariots, and stone and metal idols linked to Jain history and culture.
Spread across seven galleries, the collection traces the evolution of Jainism and highlights its spiritual, cultural and civilisational influence over centuries.
Officials said the museum combines traditional displays with modern audio-visual technology to offer visitors an immersive experience, while presenting a chronological journey through India’s Jain legacy. The seven wings of the museum each focus on different aspects of India’s wider civilisational traditions, reflecting the historical and cultural significance of Jain thought.
Earlier in the day, Modi greeted people on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti in a post on X, saying the life and teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir continue to guide people towards truth, non-violence and compassion.
He said Bhagwan Mahavir’s ideals remain deeply relevant in the modern world, adding that his message of equality and kindness is a reminder of society’s shared responsibility towards others.
