Aga Khan Palace

Aga Khan Palace, Pune was built in the year 19892 by Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan III to help the people of Maharashtra who were affected by famine. The palace was considered to be a charitable place that was led by the spiritual leader of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims whose aim was to help the people suffering from famine. In 2003, the palace was declared as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The palace is also linked to India's freedom movement as it was where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned with his wife Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, and his secretary Mahadev Desai. This was also the place where Mahatma Gandhi’s wife and secretary died. It is an ideal place for photography as it is surrounded by a beautiful garden.

History of Aga Khan Palace, Pune

The palace has a historical significance linked to the Indian Freedom Movement and the Quit India Movement. Between 1942 and 1944, Mahatma Gandhi along with his wife, secretary, and Sarojini Naidu were held as prisoners. However, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai died during the imprisonment and their samadhis are located in the palace.

It is said that Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan III wanted to help the famine struck people in the surrounding areas, so he decided to build the palace by employing the people. He employed more than 1000 people and built the palace within 5 years. The palace covers around 7 acres of the total 13 acres of land. The rest of the land is covered with a well-maintained garden.

In the year 1969, Aga Khan IV donated the palace to Indians as a mark of respect for Gandhiji and his philosophy. The palace was also the place of National Model School until the year 1970. Today the palace has become a memorial of Gandhi and has his ashes.

Structure and Significance of the Palace

Aga Khan Palace, Pune is a two-storeyed that comprises of five halls, spacious lawns, huge rooms, etc. A red wall in the palace has a Marathi poem that has been dedicated to Kasturba Gandhi. The palace is a peaceful place to walk around. It is surrounded by tall trees. With its grey structure and red slanting roofs, the palace creates an ambience of peace and richness.

The memorial stones of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai have a tulsi plant on the top. The stones are placed where they were cremated. The ashes of Gandhi are also placed in the palace and a memorial with a tulsi plant on the top can now be seen in the place.

You can also learn the milestones engraved in the palace of Gandhi in the palace and also detailed information of the palace.

Aga Khan Palace, Pune – A Gandhi Museum

The rooms that were used by the Gandhis are now part of the Gandhi museum. The rooms show simplicity through their style and limited accessories or needs such as utensils, slippers, letters, and clothes. The entrance hall of the palace has a large statue of Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. You can also find large paintings and black and white pictures of Gandhi. One of the epic pictures can be seen in the museum that shows Gandhi with a begging bowl collecting donations for Harijans.

You can also find a letter written by Gandhi after the death of his secretary, Mahadev Desai. You can enjoy taking pictures of the historical museum. Apart from these, you can also see a library, buy books from the bookstall that has works of literature of Gandhi, sales outlet of Khadi Gramodyog, a training centre for women, and children’s film club.

Events Celebrated in the Aga Khan Palace, Pune

Many events are celebrated in the palace. These include Republic Day, National Girl Child Day, Mahashivratri, Gandhi’s Death Anniversary, Gandhi Jayanti, Independence Day, Women’s Day, and Children’s Day. These events are organised by the Gandhi Memorial Society.

Visiting Hours of the Aga Khan Palace, Pune

The palace is open throughout the year except on national holidays. You can visit the palace between 9 am – 6 pm. The palace has a very nominal fee charged for adults and children. However, you may not be able to take photographs in the palace as it is restricted.

Best Time to Visit the Palace

The best time to visit the palace is between October to March during which the weather is favourable. Summers can be harsh in Pune and hence it is not the best time to do sightseeing at the time.

How to Reach the Palace

The city is connected by air and train. However, there are also state-run buses and private buses to Pune. However, if you are already in the city, then you can take a rickshaw or a taxi to visit the museum.

Places to Visit Near the Palace

Other than the palace, there are many other places that you can visit near it. You can visit the Shaniwar Wada, a historical landmark of India that was once a residence of the Peshawas. If you are visiting the palace, then do not miss to visit the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park that houses a variety of animals and reptiles.

Another famous place that you can visit near the palace is the Empress Garden which is a well-preserved garden. If you are looking solitude, then Osho ashram is the best place to be near the palace. Lal Mahal is yet another place that reflects the history of the Maratha empire’s bravery and heroic acts.

If you want more of Indian history, then you can visit the National War Memorial which is very close to the palace. Get a feeling of spirituality and peace by visiting the Pataleshwar Temple which has many mythical stories and mysteries surrounding it. The temple is dedicated to one of the reincarnations of Lord Shiv, Lord Pataleshwar. You can also dive into the cool water in Diamond Water Park. There are many other such places near the palace that you can visit.