Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a palace that was once a prison for some of the most prominent figures of the Indian freedom movement? If yes, then you should definitely add Aga Khan Palace to your bucket list. This palace is not only a beautiful example of architectural excellence, but also a living testimony of the courage and sacrifice of Mahatma Gandhi and his associates. In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the Aga Khan Palace and tell you everything you need to know about this historical and cultural treasure in Pune.
History of the Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili community, in 1892. He commissioned the palace as a charitable act to provide employment and relief to the people who were suffering from famine in the region. The palace cost about Rs. 1.2 million to construct and took about five years to complete. The palace covers an area of 19 acres and has five halls and several spacious rooms.
The palace gained historical significance when it was used as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai, and Sarojini Naidu during the Quit India Movement in 1942. The British authorities detained them at the palace from August 9, 1942 to May 6, 1944. During this period, Mahadev Desai passed away due to a heart attack, and Kasturba Gandhi succumbed to bronchial pneumonia. Their samadhis (memorials) are located in the premises of the palace.
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The Aga Khan Palace also witnessed some of the important events and activities related to the freedom struggle. It was here that Gandhi started his fast against the British Raj’s decision to not release the political prisoners even after the end of World War II. It was also here that Gandhi gave his famous “Do or Die” speech to inspire the masses to join the movement. The palace also served as a venue for many discussions and meetings among the leaders of the Congress Party.
The Aga Khan Palace was donated by Aga Khan IV to the Indian government in 1969 as a mark of respect to Gandhi and his philosophy. Today, the palace is a national monument and a museum that displays various artifacts, photographs, paintings, and personal belongings of Gandhi and other freedom fighters.
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Architecture and Design of the Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace is a masterpiece of architecture and design. It showcases the influence and inspiration of various cultures and traditions on its style, layout, materials, and decorations. The palace is built in a blend of Persian, Mughal, and Italian styles, with a touch of Gujarati and Rajasthani elements.
The palace is surrounded by a majestic wall that has four gates. The main gate faces the east and leads to a spacious courtyard that has a fountain in the center. The palace has two floors and two wings: one wing for men and the other for women. The men’s wing has a long corridor with rooms on both sides, while the women’s wing has a hall with rooms around it. The palace has high ceilings, arched windows, wooden doors, marble floors, and elegant chandeliers. The walls are adorned with floral motifs, paintings, and portraits.
The most striking feature of the palace is its gardens. The palace has three gardens: one on each side and one at the back. The gardens are well-maintained and have lush green lawns, colorful flowers, exotic plants, and shady trees. The gardens also have statues, fountains, ponds, and benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The palace is a perfect example of harmony between nature and architecture. It offers a serene and scenic environment for visitors who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Attractions and Activities at the Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace is not just a historical monument, but also a cultural hub that offers various attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the things that you can do at the palace:
Museum: The museum is located on the ground floor of the palace and showcases various artifacts, photographs, paintings, letters, documents, books, clothes, utensils, furniture, and personal belongings of Gandhi and other freedom fighters who were imprisoned at the palace. The museum also has audio-visual displays that narrate the story of Gandhi’s life and his contribution to India’s independence.
Memorials: The memorials of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai are situated in the garden behind the palace. They are made of white marble and have inscriptions of their names and dates of birth and death. They also have their footprints engraved on the marble. The memorials are visited by thousands of people every year, especially on Martyrs’ Day (January 30) and Kasturba’s birth anniversary (April 11).
Khadi Shop: The khadi shop is located near the museum and sells khadi products made by local artisans. Khadi is a hand-spun and hand-woven fabric that was promoted by Gandhi as a symbol of self-reliance and national pride. The shop offers a variety of khadi items, such as clothes, bags, accessories, home decor, and souvenirs.
Training Center: The training center is located on the first floor of the palace and offers courses on various skills and crafts, such as pottery, weaving, carpentry, painting, etc. The center aims to empower the local community and preserve the traditional arts and crafts. The center also organizes workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events for visitors.
Gardens: The gardens are the best place to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the palace. You can take a stroll around the gardens, admire the flowers and plants, watch the birds and butterflies, sit by the fountains and ponds, or just relax on the benches. The gardens are also ideal for picnics, yoga, meditation, and photography.
Timings, Entry Fee, Location, and Contact Details of the Aga Khan Palace
If you are planning to visit the Aga Khan Palace, here are some of the essential information that you need to know:
Timings: The palace is open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on all days of the week, except on national holidays.
Entry Fee: The entry fee for Indian visitors is Rs. 25 per person, while for foreign visitors it is Rs. 300 per person. Children below 15 years of age are allowed free entry. There is no charge for cameras or mobile phones.
Location: The palace is located at Gandhi National Memorial Society, Aga Khan Palace Road, Pune - 411006, Maharashtra, India.
Contact Details: You can contact the palace authorities or management by phone at +91-20-2668-0250 or by email at agakhanpalacepune@gmail.com. You can also visit their website at www.agakhanpalace.org.in or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/agakhanpalacepune.
Conclusion
The Aga Khan Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of Pune and India. It is a place where you can witness the legacy of Gandhi and his associates, admire the beauty of architecture and design, explore the diversity of arts and crafts, and enjoy the serenity of nature. It is a place that will inspire you to follow your dreams and make a difference in the world.
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