The Aga Khan Palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in Pune, India. Built in 1892, it is one of the biggest landmarks in Indian history. The palace was an act of charity by the Sultan who wanted to help the poor in the neighboring areas of Pune, who were drastically hit by famine.
Aga Khan Palace is a majestic building and is considered to be one of the greatest marvels of India. The palace is closely linked to the Indian freedom movement as it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai and Sarojini Naidu. It is also the place where Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai died. In 2003, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declared the place as a monument of national importance.
The Aga Khan Palace
The Agakhan Palace, Pune, is a National Monument of India’s freedom movement. Following the launch of Quit India Movement in 1942, Gandhiji, Kasturba, Mahadevbhai Desai, Sarojini Naidu and other national leaders were intended at the Agakhan Palace from August 5, 1942 to May 6, 1944. Mahadevbhai & Kasturba passed away while in captivity at the Agakhan Palace and their samadhis are located in the campus.
The Agakhan Palace has developed into a National and International place of Pilgrimiga, with over a lakh a visitors every year, who come to pay their homage to the Samadhis.
After the sad demise of Kasturba, Gandhi had expressed a wish that this place should develop into a place of Emancipation of Women. On the occassion of Gandhi Birth Centenary in 1969, H. H. Prince Karim Agakhan donated this Agakhan Palace to the nation, as a mark of respect to Gandhiji and his philosophy.
After the sad demise of Kasturba, Gandhi had expressed a wish that this place should develop into a place of Emancipation of Women. On the occassion of Gandhi Birth Centenary in 1969, H. H. Prince Karim Agakhan donated this Agakhan Palace to the nation, as a mark of respect to Gandhiji and his philosophy.
On August 15, 1972, a Gandhi Museum cum Picture Gallery was inaugurated at The Agakhan Palace. In 1980, the management of the museum, samadhis and the palace campus was transferred to Gandhi National Memorial Society by Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, New Delhi. As a tribute to the memory of Kasturba a National Institute for the development of women was established in 1980 where the main emphasis is on Empowerment of women through training and development.
The Gandhi National Memorial Society has been trying to make this place a Living Memorial to Ba & Bapu by organising a number of activities throughout the year.
Agakhan Palace,
Nagar Road
Pune – 411006, Maharashtra, India
Tel – 91-20-2668 0250
Fax – 91-20-2661 2700
Email: gandhi_memorial@vsnl.net
Pune – 411006, Maharashtra, India
Tel – 91-20-2668 0250
Fax – 91-20-2661 2700
Email: gandhi_memorial@vsnl.net
