This palace was built in 1892
by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Agakhan III. He was elected as the President of
the League of Nations in 1938 and was well renowned in the field of politics
and sports. The palace was later donated to India by Aga Khan IV in 1969 as
a mark of respect to Gandhiji and his philosophy.
Historical importance:
The Agakhan Palace Pune is a national monument of India’s freedom movement.
Following the launch of Quit India movement in 1942, Gandhiji, his wife
Kasturba, his secretary Mahadevbhai Desai were interned at the palace from
August 9, 1942 to May 6, 1944. Mahadevbhai and Kasturba passed away while in
captivity at the Agakhan palace and their samadhis are located in the
campus. Situated near the River Mula, the palace is a simple memorial to
Gandhi and his life.
Tourist attraction: The palace
has developed into a national and international place of pilgrimage with
over a lakh of visitors every year who come to pay homage to the samadhis
here. The palace is surrounded by a sprawling garden. The famous movie
'Gandhi' was shot here.
The management of the museum, samadhis and the palace campus was transferred
to the Gandhi Memorial society in 1980. The society has been trying to make
this place a living memorial to Ba (Kasturba Gandhi) and Bapu (Mahatma
Gandhi) by organizing a number of activities throughout the year. Following
public functions are held here:
- Martyr’s day – 30th January
- Mahashivratri - Kasturba’s death anniversary celebrated as Mother’s day
- Independence day – 15th August
- Republic day – 26th January
- Bapu’s birth anniversary and Ba and Bapu awards ceremony – 2nd October
Picture gallery and museum- Pictures depicting important events in
the freedomstruggle and things used by Mahatma Gandhi during his stay in the
palace like utensils, clothes and his personal effects (towel, mala,
chappals). Also, room in which Kasturba Gandhi took her last breath, the
dinning table where they used to have their meals, the room in which Gandhi
ji used to give science lessons to his grand daughter, letter written by
Gandhiji on the death of his dear secretary, are some of the attractions in
the palace.
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Samadhi of Mahadevbhai and Kasturba Gandhi |
Mahurika nursery school
Kasturba Mahila Khadi Gramodyog Vidyala
Library and documentation centre
Skill and vocational training
UNCHR Refugee Guidance centre
Nashabandi Parishad work
Friends of Gandhi Museum
ICDS training of Aganwadi workers, supervisors and CDPQS
A special cenotaph honours Kasturba who died here. A shop attached sells khadi or cotton handloomed garments and textiles.
When to visit :
The place is open on all working days except national holidays.
Best season :October to March.
How to get there :
Pune is at a distance of 200 km from Mumbai and is well connected by train and air from within and beyond the state of Maharashtra. There are regular Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses as well as private buses to Pune. For transport within Pune auto rickshaws, buses and taxis are easily available.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm (Lunch break: 12.30 pm to 1:30 pm)
Entry fee : Rs. 5/- for adults and Rs. 2/- for children
Location : Aga khan Palace, Nagar road, beyond Fitzgerald Bridge,
Phone no:+91 20 26880250
Email: gandhi_memorial@vsnl.net