About Aga Khan Palace
Aga Khan Palace is a historic monument and museum located on Pune Nagar Road in Kalyani Nagar, Pune. Built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai during the Quit India Movement of 1942. The site now houses memorials, personal artifacts, and exhibits related to India's freedom struggle, functioning as a national memorial dedicated to Gandhi and his associates.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore the palace's Italian-arched architecture, extensive lawns, and museum galleries displaying Mahatma Gandhi's personal belongings including his spinning wheel and letters. The grounds contain marble memorials (samadhis) of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, who died at this site during their imprisonment. A shop sells Khadi garments and handmade textiles, and the complex serves as headquarters for the Gandhi National Memorial Society.
Key highlights
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Imprisonment site of Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai during the 1942 Quit India Movement
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Marble memorials of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai who passed away within the palace premises
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Museum exhibiting personal artifacts of Mahatma Gandhi including his spinning wheel and correspondence
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Italian-arched architectural style with expansive lawns spread across 1756 square meters
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Khadi shop selling pure cotton garments and handmade textiles with vocational training programs
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Headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society preserving Gandhi's legacy
History of Aga Khan Palace
Built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III as an act of charity to help famine-affected people in the Pune region. During the Quit India Movement of 1942, the British government used the palace as a prison where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, secretary Mahadev Desai, and Sarojini Naidu were detained for two years. Both Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai died during their imprisonment here, making it a pivotal site in India's independence struggle. Some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were also laid to rest on the grounds.
Culture & Context
The palace serves as a national monument commemorating India's freedom movement and Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy. It functions as the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society and operates as a pilgrimage site for those honoring Gandhi and his close associates. The on-site Khadi shop and vocational training programs continue Gandhi's legacy of self-reliance and skill development.