Aga Khan Palace Pune - Gandhi National Memorial

Aga Khan Palace, PuneThe Aga Khan Palace was constructed by Sultan Mohammed Shah, Aga Khan III, in the year 1892. Built in Yerwada, near Pune, it was intended to be a source of employment for the famine-struck villagers in the surrounding areas. Prince Karim El Husseni, Aga Khan IV, donated the palace to the Government of India in 1969, in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy.

The Aga Khan Palace is also known as the Gandhi National Memorial because of its close association with Mahatma Gandhi, who was kept at this palace under house arrest in the 1940s. His wife, Kasturba Gandhi, and his long-time aide, Mahadev Desai, both died while under house arrest in this palace, and their samadhis (memorials) were built here by Charles Correa. A museum inside the palace complex has a rich collection of pictures and photographs of the important incidents in his life. There is also a wide assortment of his personal items, including utensils, clothes, mala, chappals (slippers), a letter written by Gandhi on the death of his secretary, and so on. A small amount of Gandhi's ashes are kept here as well.This palace was one of the filming locations of Richard Attenborough's biopic of Gandhi, Gandhi. Since 1980, the museum, samadhis and campus of the Aga Khan Palace has been managed by the the Gandhi Memorial Society. Exhibitions are held at the palace on a regular basis to showcase the life and career of Mahatma Gandhi.
Aga Khan Palace was built in the year 1892 by Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan III in Pune. Since then it is one of the biggest landmark in Indian history. The Aga Khan Palace of Pune 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 the famine.

Aga Khan Palace is one of the finest piece of architectural beauty in the western India. The exquisite palace is surrounded by the lavish green gardens all around. Aga Khan Palace in Pune also houses some lavishly decorated guest rooms and suites which take you back to the royal past of the heritage building.
Historically, Aga Khan Palace of Pune holds great significance as from 9th August 1942 to 6th May 1944, this palace was the prison for Mahatama Gandhi, his wife Kasturba and his secretary Mahadev Bhai Desai though the last two passed away in between their captivity at the Aga Khan Palace at Pune. Both of them have memorials in their name in the same complex near Mula river and everyday several visitors visit them.
In 1969, the Aga Khan Palace at Pune was donated to the Indians by Aga Khan IV as a mark of respect to Gandhi and his philosophy. Today the Aga Khan Palace in Pune also houses a memorial on Gandhi where his ashes were kept. The historical palace also hosts a shop that deals in khaadi and hand loomed textiles.


Few pictures inside the museum
The INdian flag has gone through a series of transformation, here`s one version of it.

The sculpture depicting Gandhijis, love for everyone. Ghandiji worked tirelessly for the erradication of the caste system in India, he did a great deal of work for the harijans (Untouchables, considered to be lower cast people). The irony is that, even after 60 years of independence and moon touching progress, we still havent broken the shackels of casteism.



Ghandiji was a great follower of Sri. Ram, at the dying moments he uttered "Hey Ram"

Picture depciting Ghandiji with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Ghandiji with Kasturbaji

The campus has a Nursey which is run by Gandhi National Memorial Society

Samadhis of Kasturbaji and his secretary Mahadev Bhai Desai, ashes of Gandhiji have been keep here.

Historic Facts

Gandhiji and his wife Kasturbaji wereinterned at this place in 1942 after the declaration of "Quit India Movement". He was accompanied by Miraben, Sri. Pyrelal Nayar, Smt. Sarojani Naidu, Dr. Sushila Nayar and his personal secretary Sri. Mahadevbhai Desai.

9th August 1942 - Gandhiji and his colleagus were brought here from Bombay

15th August 1942 - Sri. Mahadevbhai Desai, died of heart-attack

19th March 1943 - Smt. Sarojani Naidu, released because of ill health

26th January 1943/44 - Gandhiji hoisted the national flag at this premises

22 February 1944 - Kasturbaji breadth her last beacuse of prolonged illness

6th May 1944 - Gandhiji and his colleagues released from Aga Khan Palace

This is a place worth visiting.

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