With a vibrant heritage of over a hundred years, the glorious Aga Khan Palace in Pune stands strong as a magnificent testament to legacy, history, and architecture. At the very time, its part in the nation’s independence movement puts it amongst the most influential milestones in India’s contemporary history.
The famous Aga Khan palace also served as a prison during British rule, where many eminent freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, were detained. This famous ancient monument is presently the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society and is a prime sightseer attraction in Pune. So if you are a history buff planning to visit the city anytime soon, book cab service in Pune and visit this palace to learn more about its glorious past.
The historical significance of the famous Aga Khan Palace, Pune
The famous Aga Khan Palace stands as a powerful testimony of India’s freedom struggle. Constructed in the 18th century by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the 48th Islam spiritual head, this lavish palace’s construction work offered employment to the locals in the famine-struck areas encompassing Pune. It roughly took five years for the Aga Khan Palace to be completed, and the construction cost to develop this beautiful palace was around 12 lakh rupees.
Furthermore, the palace was influential in India’s battle for independence. Shortly after Mahatma Gandhi embarked on the Quit India Movement in 1942, he was detained by the British administrators and sent to this palace in Pune for imprisonment. Mahatma Gandhi was accompanied by other renowned freedom fighters, including his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his associate Mahadevbhai Desai, Pyarelal Nayar, Sarojini Naidu, and Dr Sushila Nayar.
Apart from that, Prince Karim El Hussenim Aga Khan IV gifted the palace to Gandhi Smarak Samiti in 1969 to offer his admiration toward the Father of the Nation. In 1974, then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, toured the Aga Khan Palace and presented an annual sum of 2 lakh rupees for its conservation and upkeep. Later in 2003, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declared this palace a monument of national significance.
Witness the mesmerising architecture at Aga Khan Palace
Aga Khan Palace, situated within a sprawling campus, is famous for its magnificent Islamic-style architecture. This palace remains on 19 acres of land, including lush, well-maintained patios. The primary tower is constructed on 7 acres and has five massive halls. One of the distinctive characteristics of the palace’s luxurious architecture is its Italian-style gradients.
A wide gallery of 2.5-meter width encompasses the whole building. In addition, the Aga Khan Palace in Pune is a three-storied establishment with a base area of 1756 sq. metres on the ground floor. On the other hand, the palace’s first floor surrounds 1080 sq. metres, and the second floor is constructed on 445 sq. metres.
Top yearly events observed at Aga Khan Palace
Numerous public events are scheduled and celebrated at the Aga Khan palace by the Gandhi Memorial Society. These comprise the following:
- Republic Day celebrations: 26th January
- Martyr’s Day celebrations: 30th January
- Maha Shivratri
- Independence Day celebrations: 15th August
- Kasturba Gandhi’s Death Anniversary commemorated as Mother’s Day
- The Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi: 2nd October
Currently, the Aga Khan Palace serves as one of the most influential historical palaces in the country. So if you are a history or art enthusiast, don’t forget to tour this magnificent palace comfortably by booking your taxi through a cab booking app.