A landmark that has been selling khadi and handicrafts since 1957

Discover the hidden treasures of the Mount Road Khadi Gramodhyog Bhavan, a historic landmark offering a wide range of artisanal products.

From the outside, the frontage and the sign board hardly tell you what this building holds. This quaint old landmark on Anna Salai, the Mount Road Khadi Gramodhyog Bhavan (KGB), perhaps the grandmother of supermarkets and home delivery apps, sells items sourced from weavers, artisans, Sarvodaya Sangams, cooperative societies and self-help groups.

The G+1 structure, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister K. Kamaraj in October 1957, is home to a countless number of items — there would be a thousand items at the provisions section alone, says a staff member.

“Kholapuri chappals are my favourite for any function and the Khadi Bhavan is my only destination for them. My mother picks up eucalyptus oil, soaps, agarbatti and butter from there,” says G. Ramakrishnan, a resident of Besant Nagar.

The KGB, which started out as a small room catering to the needs of artisans and Sarvodaya Sanghs in Tamil Nadu, has grown to bring Minister White khadi cloth from West Bengal, printed silks from the north, white metal handicrafts from Jodhpur, gun metal from Hyderabad, butter from Uthukuli, silk saris from Kottakadu Palayam and Gandhigram saris from Dindigul and sandalwood from the Forest Department of various States.

“At one point, the Gandhigram saris, which are long-lasting with a unique weave, were very popular. Now, only people who know their value buy them,” says a sales person at the counter.

KGB has 10 counters for handicrafts alone and of them, the golu dolls made of fired clay take the cake. “We used to sell them door to door at one point of time. But, for at least 35 years, we have had an annual golu doll exhibition,” says another staff member. The shop has dolls throughout the year.

Jagadeeswaran, a doll-maker from Saidapet, says he has been supplying dolls to KGB from 1990. “They always ask for a discount on the price since they would like to offer the best price to their customers. Their prices are lower than in Mylapore and West Mambalam. They ensure quality and carefully pack the dolls. They pay artisans well and on time, just like Poompuhar,” he says.