27 May 2015

Aga Khan Palace and its significance in Indian Freedom Movement

It was during a visit to one of our cousin's place in Pune that we visited Aga Khan Palace. It was just a day's trip to Pune and during our casual talks, did I check with cousin about the place. All he said was, its just a small building with few photographs of Mahatma Gandhi displayed. I remembered from our visit to Mani Bhavan about the significance of Aga Khan Palace, and didn't want to miss the visit.
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The palace was built by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. It gained significance during the Indian Freedom movement, when it served as prison to Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai and Sarojini Naidu from 1942 to 1944, following the launch of Quit India Movement.
Pune, Travelogue, Maharastra, India, Weekend Getaways(Mumbai), Mahatma Gandhi, Quit India Movement, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi Samadhi
There is ample parking inside the campus and you need to walk through the lawns to reach the palace. The palace is multi storeyed structure and known for its Italian arches on all floors. Its only few of the rooms which are open to public which display photographs and portraits depicting Gandhiji's life. Even though we visited on weekend, it was not that crowded and we could easily get along the palace.
Pune, Travelogue, Maharastra, India, Weekend Getaways(Mumbai), Mahatma Gandhi, Quit India Movement, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi Samadhi

Pune, Travelogue, Maharastra, India, Weekend Getaways(Mumbai), Mahatma Gandhi, Quit India Movement, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi Samadhi
Inside the palace campus are samadhis of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, who lost their lives during their captivity in the palace. There is also samadhi of Gandhji, which is said to have his ashes.
Pune, Travelogue, Maharastra, India, Weekend Getaways(Mumbai), Mahatma Gandhi, Quit India Movement, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi Samadhi
Travel Info:
Aga Khan Palace is on Pune-Nagar Road.
Timings: 9AM to 12:30PM, 1:30PM to 6PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for adults and Rs. 2 for kids

13 comments:

  1. So much history inside those walls.

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  2. Beautiful photos of a lovely temple ~ love the statue of Ghandi ~

    Happy Week to you,
    artmusedog and carol

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  3. What a beautiful palace!

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  4. Good to know about this place.Thanks for sharing.

    Cheers,

    Sriram & Krithiga

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  5. What a beautiful place.
    Please drop by!
    http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/07/variations.html

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  6. very well written post and equally supported by beautiful pics.

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  7. It looks pretty grand. I particularly like that second pic of the porch and the pillars.

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  8. This is a beautiful palace where one can get up close with Bapugi.

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  9. Very beautiful building with lots of important Indian history.
    Your photos are nicely done.
    Have a Great Day!
    Peace :)

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  10. It's a gorgeous building steeped in history. If I lived anywhere nearby I would go and visit it pronto.

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