Long drive to Delhi - 31: Aga Khan Palace, Pune

Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection - Lawrence Durrell

One of the attractions of Pune is Aga Khan Palace. The Palace building is spread in 7 acres & rest 12 acres have lawns & well maintained gardens. The greenery & the arches of the building make the Palace pictueresque.

The Palace was constructed in 1892 by Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan to help famine stricken people. He was Imam of Shia Muslim Ismailia Community. It was built in five years with estimated cost of Rs 12 lacs. It has five halls & three floors of which ground floor is 1756 sq mtr, first floor is 1080 sq mtr & second floor is 445 sq mtr. A corridor of 2.5 mtr surrounds the entire building adding to the beauty.

During Quit India movement in 1942, this Palace turned in to a prison. Among detainees were such illustrious names as Mahatama Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadeo Desai, Dr Sarojini Naidu & Sushila Nayyer. Kasturba Gandhi & Mahadeo Bhai Desai breathed there last here.

In 1972 Prince Shah Karim Aga Khan IV donated this palace to Gandhi Smarak Samiti. The Palace building houses a museum having photos, portraits, writing desk, bed, clothes & footwear of Ba & Mahatama Gandhi. Many social programmes are conducted. Daily morning prayers are held here which are well attended. Some photos:

This magnificent palace was constructed in 1892-97

Well maintained gardens & beautiful arches make the place cool

Beautiful corridor measuring 2.5 mtr runs along the whole building

This beautiful place has been location for Hollywood movie Gandhi

Mahatam Gandhi remained a prisoner here for 21 months & as per his wishes his ashes rest here. Memorials designed by Charles Correa

Memorials of Ba & Mahadeo Bhai Desai

Inside the museum

Right side view of the Palace