The Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial in Mandvi is a replica of 65, Cromwell Avenue house, Highgate, that was originally recognised as India House in London. The memorial, built in 2010, is set in a complex of 52 acres and commemorates Shri Shyamji Krishna Varma and his contribution to the freedom struggle. A staunch nationalist and a freedom fighter with anti-imperial views, Shri Shyamji Krishna Varma made valuable contributions in India’s struggle for Independence. He was born on October 4, 1857 in Kachchh in the seaside village of Mandvi. His roots were humble and his father, Karsandas Bhansali, worked as a labourer at the docks. He lost his mother, Gomatiben, when he was very young. Shri Shyamji Krishna Varma passed away in 1930 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was his dream that upon their death, his wife’s and his ashes be sent to India, his motherland, once she was a free country. In 2003, the then Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, personally visited Geneva and collected the ashes of this valiant and revolutionary patriot along with those of his wife, Bhanumati ben. Today, the urns containing the ashes of Shri Shyamji Krishna Varma and his wife are housed in the Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial in Mandvi, Kachchh.

The memorial complex has an amphitheatre, walkways, viewing galleries, exhibits and an assortment of programmes for children and adults. The place is a tribute to Shri Shyamji Krishna Varma and other freedom fighters who dedicated their lives to liberate the Indian subcontinent from colonial rule. On an average, the Memorial sees nearly 300 visitors every day and on special occasions, there can be a manifold surge in numbers, exceeding 5,000 guests.

The annual maintenance of the memorial is being done by GMDC as part of its CSR contribution towards protecting and preserving India’s special heritage. The site has seen over 24 lakh visitors since its inception.