Historical information

Part of the Zakrzewski Collection of spinning wheels donated to the National Wool Museum by Mr Wlodzimierz Zakrzewski. For many years, Mr Zakrzewski collected, researched and repaired spinning wheels from all over the world. This spinning wheel is known a Charka spinning wheel and is from India. Spinning wheels like this became widely known through their connection with Mahatma Gandhi and are often referred to as Gandhi wheels. Gandhi encouraged people to spin whenever they had the opportunity. He especially advocated their use to India's poor as a means to achieve self-sufficiency and thus combat the growing poverty rate in India after the departure of the British.

Physical description

Charka or Gandhi spinning wheel. Part of the Zakrzewski Collection of hand spinning wheels from around the world.