Rashtriya Shala

Rashtriya Shala is a historic Khadi and national education centre located on Dhebar Road in Rajkot, Gujarat. Established in 1921 on Mahatma Gandhi's initiative to promote Swadeshi and self-reliance, it continues to produce hand-spun and hand-woven Khadi. The complex includes weaving workshops, spinning sections, a Khadi sales emporium and small exhibits related to Gandhi's association with Rajkot, making it a notable heritage and cultural attraction for visitors.

Visitors can expect a working Khadi institution with active hand-spinning and handloom weaving workshops, display of Khadi fabrics and garments, and a small exhibition area with photographs and information related to Mahatma Gandhi and the Swadeshi movement. The premises consist of simple heritage buildings, open courtyards, workshop halls with looms and charkhas, and a retail emporium where Khadi products are sold. The environment is educational and craft-focused rather than a conventional museum.

Rashtriya Shala was established in 1921 to promote national education and the Swadeshi movement under Mahatma Gandhi's guidance. It was founded to provide an alternative to British-run education and to encourage self-reliance through spinning, weaving and Khadi production. Gandhi's close association with Rajkot, where he spent part of his early life, adds to its historical importance as a centre of the Khadi movement in Saurashtra.

The institution remains an active centre for Khadi and village industries, representing the principles of self-reliance, manual labour and sustainable textiles. It serves as a cultural landmark for understanding Gujarat's contribution to the Khadi movement and continues to support local artisans, weavers and spinners while preserving traditional handloom skills.