Aga Khan Palace in Pune, India has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III as a relief measure to help support poor farmers affected by famine, it is renowned for being the place where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi were imprisoned during the Quit India Movement.

These days, it has become a popular tourist destination for its unique Indo-Saracenic architecture style and connections to Indian independence. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Aga Khan Palace, including how to get there, what to wear, entrance fees and more. Read on to learn all you need to know about this incredible landmark.

History of Aga Khan Palace

The Aga Khan Palace is an historic monument located in Pune, India. Built in 1892, the palace was commissioned by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III and serves as a memorial to him and his ancestors. The palace was also used during the Indian Independence Movement from 1942 to 1944, when Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, and his secretary Mahadev Desai were placed under house arrest here.

Construction and Architecture of Aga Khan Palace

The architecture of the palace was inspired by Italian Renaissance ecclesiastical buildings. The palace features gardens with fountains, terraces, and pavilions connected by long corridors. The main building is built in an Indo-Saracenic style with domes and minarets. Its interior is decorated in stained glass and marble arches, while its exterior boasts intricate carvings made of teakwood.

Use of Aga Khan Palace during the Indian Independence Movement

During the Indian independence movement, the Aga Khan Palace served as a prison where several prominent leaders were detained for their involvement in the Quit India Movement that sought Indian self-rule after British occupation. These included Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi along with other prominent freedom fighters like Sarojini Naidu, Mirabehn (Madeleine Slade) , Mohammed Ali Jinnah (the future founder of Pakistan), Jayaprakash Narayan , Jamnalal Bajaj among others . While imprisoned at the Aga Khan Palace for two years between 1942-1944 , these leaders voluntarily undertook a fast to campaign against religious violence during what is known as “The Great Calcutta Killings” . During this period, Kasturba passed away due to illness . To commemorate her memory , a memorial has been constructed at the site .

Construction and Architecture of Aga Khan Palace

The Aga Khan Palace is an historic monument located in Pune, India. Built in 1892, the palace was commissioned by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III and serves as a memorial to him and his ancestors. The architecture of the palace was inspired by Italian Renaissance ecclesiastical buildings.

Architectural style of Aga Khan Palace

The palace features gardens with fountains, terraces, and pavilions connected by long corridors. The main building is built in an Indo-Saracenic style with domes and minarets. Its exterior boasts intricate carvings made of teakwood while its interior is decorated in stained glass and marble arches.

Features of Aga Khan Palace’s design

The design features of the Aga Khan Palace are lavishly ornamental. It includes domes, turrets, pointed arches, verandahs with slender columns, stone lattice windows, niches, cupolas etc., all crafted from teak wood while internally the floors are done up with marble or mosaic tiles with Corinthian capitals on the column tops. The central hall has a white marble floor that adds to its splendor along with grand chandeliers adding to the ambience . The walls have murals depicting nature-scapes or busts of rulers from yore set into brackets as if displaying them for admiration . In addition to these features , the palace also has two huge electric lamps mounted over it symbolizing Indian independence .

Use of Aga Khan Palace during the Indian Independence Movement

The Aga Khan Palace was used during the Indian independence movement from 1942 to 1944, when Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, and his secretary Mahadev Desai were placed under house arrest here. Other prominent freedom fighters including Sarojini Naidu, Mirabehn (Madeleine Slade), Mohammed Ali Jinnah (the future founder of Pakistan), Jayaprakash Narayan, Jamnalal Bajaj among others were also detained for their involvement in the Quit India Movement that sought Indian self-rule after British occupation.

Imprisonment of Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and other freedom fighters

During their imprisonment at the Aga Khan Palace for two years between 1942-1944 , these leaders voluntarily undertook a fast to campaign against religious violence during what is known as “The Great Calcutta Killings” .

Death of Kasturba Gandhi at Aga Khan Palace

Kasturba passed away due to illness while imprisoned at the palace. To commemorate her memory , a memorial has been constructed at the site .

Contribution of Aga Khan Palace to the Indian independence movement

The Aga Khan Palace stands as a symbol of courage and resistance during India’s struggle for independence and it has become an important landmark in Pune city. It was through Gandhiji’s Satyagraha activities here that India achieved its freedom from colonial rule in 1947.

Present-day Aga Khan Palace

Today, the Aga Khan Palace is a popular tourist destination in Pune city and it attracts people from all over India and abroad who come to appreciate its architectural grandeur.

Restoration and preservation of Aga Khan Palace

The palace has undergone massive restoration work over the years and it is now in excellent condition, being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The gardens are also meticulously preserved with landscaped lawns, seasonal flower beds, ornamental trees, fountains and watered terraces.

Tourist attractions and activities at Aga Khan Palace

Visitors can explore the palace grounds which include a memorial garden dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu and Madeleine Slade in addition to a marble statue of Kasturba Gandhi. There is also a museum where artifacts related to Indian’s struggle for independence are displayed. Other tourist attractions include boat rides on the Mula-Mutha river, cultural shows at night during special occasions as well as an annual marathon that takes place here every year.

How to Get to Aga Khan Palace

The Aga Khan Palace is located in Yerwada, Pune and the address is Aga Khan Palace, Nagar Road, Sadashiv Peth, Yerwada, Pune.

Location and Address of Aga Khan Palace

The palace is situated about 2 km from the main city centre and 6 km from Pune Airport. It is easily accessible by public transportation such as buses or rickshaws.

Directions and Transportation options to reach Aga Khan Palace

From the main city centre, visitors can take a bus from Swargate Bus Depot or Shivajinagar Station that will take them directly to the palace. Alternately, one can board a rickshaw from various parts of the city which will drop them off at their destination. From the airport, one can take a cab or an auto-rickshaw for about INR 250 depending on traffic conditions.

Tips for Visiting Aga Khan Palace

The Aga Khan Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, and it can be easily reached by public transportation. Here are a few tips to make your visit memorable.

Best time to visit Aga Khan Palace

The best time to visit the palace is during winter months as the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. Summer months experience hot temperatures so visitors are advised to bring appropriate clothing and wear light cotton fabrics.

What to wear and bring when visiting Aga Khan Palace

It’s important to wear comfortable clothes while exploring the palace grounds. Visitors should also bring necessary items such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water bottle etc. if necessary. Photography lovers should bring their cameras to capture beautiful memories of their trip here.

Entrance fees and timings of Aga Khan Palace

Admission to the palace is free of charge and it is open from 9am-5pm on weekdays except Wednesdays when it remains closed. There are guided tours available in English which cost just INR 10 per person.

Aga Khan Palace FAQs

Aga Khan Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pune. Here are some frequently asked questions about it:

What is the significance of Aga Khan Palace in Indian history?

Aga Khan Palace has played a significant role in India’s independence movement. It was where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi, who were both imprisoned by the British during the Quit India Movement, spent a few months of their captivity in 1942.

Who built Aga Khan Palace?

The palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the 48th Imam of Ismaili Muslims, as a relief measure to help support poor farmers affected by famine in 1892.

How long was Mahatma Gandhi imprisoned at Aga Khan Palace?

Mahatma Gandhi and his wife were imprisoned for two years at the palace from August 9, 1942 to May 6, 1944.

What is the architecture style of Aga Khan Palace?

The palace has an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture which combines Islamic and Hindu styles with Gothic elements.

Is photography allowed inside Aga Khan Palace?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside the palace premises however there are certain restrictions such as no flash photography or commercial photography allowed.