Search Indian Maps, Pincodes, Local Info and more...
Aga Khan Palace
Aga Khan Palace is considered amongst the finest Palace in terms of Architectural beauty in India's western part. It came into existence in the year 1892, the construction of which was done by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III. It is found in Pune on the Pune-Nagar Road in the Yerwada town at a distance of 2 km from Bund Garden. Sultan had built the Palace as a form of charity to help the people who were poor and effected by the famine in the areas near to Pune. It sets the landmark in the history of India. The Palace also marks the memories of the period of Indian Freedom movement due to its relevance in the form of a place of imprisonment of Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, Mahadev Desai (his secretary) and also Sarojini Naidu in the year 1942. Mahadev Desai and Kasturba Gandhi died at this place. There is also a memorial made of marble for the leaders who died in the Aga Khan Palace. The palace was built in 5 years and the total amount of 12 lakhs was spent on its construction.
History
The Palace has its great importance in history. Due to the place where Mahatma Gandhi, Mahadev Desai and Kasturba Gandhi were held in the prison from the period of 9 August 1942 to the year 1944, May 6, it became more significant at the time of Quit India Movement.
In the year 1969, Aga Khan IV donated the Palace to India to Gandhi Smarak Samidhi and after that period, the organization of Parks and Gardens maintained this monument. The Palace was built in order to show respect to the philosophies of Gandhi. At present, the Palace has become the memorial house of Gandhi. His ashes are also kept there.
In the year 1974, Indira Gandhi who was the prime minister at that time visited here. An amount of 200000 rupees was donated for its maintenance every year by her. The amount summed up to rupees 1 million by 1990, but due to the imbalance in funds allocation, it began to be neglected. In the year 1999 in July, a protest was made against the depleting condition against Mahatma Gandhi's statue in the Palace near the railway station of Pune.
Architecture
Aga Khan Palace is famous for its architecture built by Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan. The Palace is spread in a land area of 19 acres. 7 acres out of 19 is a well-developed area. The first view of the palace is itself very attractive and catches the glimpse of visitors at one site due to its splendid structure. Valuable things of Mahatma Gandhi are also kept in the palace which includes his writing desk, bed, saree and clothes of Kasturba along with her chappals.
The area of 1756 square meters is covered by the ground floor. The first floor being in an area of 1080 square meters and an area of 445 square meters is occupied by its upper floor. It has a corridor which is 2.5 meters broad in the whole building. The Palace is constructed with the Italian arches and lawns which were very spacious. It has well decorated rooms for the guests and also the suites which reminds of historical culture.
The palace was declared of national importance by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in the year 2003. The memorials of the Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai were made up of marble by architect Charles Correa. Mahatma Gandhi's statue is also found there. The palace is historically remarked in history of India.
Visitor's Information
The palace is very famous, as a result of which tourists visit the palace from all parts of the country. It is closed only on the national holidays otherwise its open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. There is lunch break from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
The entry fee is also charged inside the Palace which is rupees 5 for adults and for the children it is rupees 2.
How to reach
Pune has a very good connectivity, so it's easy to reach there by any means of transport.
By Air
Pune has an airport in the town. The Lohegaon airport in Pune is situated at a distance of only three to four kilometers from the palace which takes about 8 to 10 minutes to reach the palace
By Rail
The Pune railway station is only at a distance of four kilometers from Aga Khan Palace. It is on the Nagar road and trains of all routes stop at Pune.
By Road
Pune has very maintained roads and it is easy to reach the Palace from anywhere by means by cabs or auto-rickshaw. Buses are also available which takes to Aga Khan Palace.
Photo Gallery