The Aga Khan Palace is one of the biggest landmarks in Indian history. It is located in the city of Pune, in the state of Maharashtra. During Gandhi’s Quit India campaign in 1942, the British imprisoned Mahatma Gandhi in this palace. Nowadays, the palace is open for tourists to learn more about the life of Gandhi and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
The Palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. Aga Khan III was elected as the President of the League of Nations in 1938. He was also well renowned in the field of politics and sports.
Later, in 1969, the palace was donated by Aga Khan IV with a humanitarian purpose. He wanted to help the poor struck by starvation in the area, and honour Gandhi and his philosophies by doing so.
Historical Importance
During the Quit India movement in 1942, Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, and his secretary Mahadevbhai Desai were interned at the palace by the British. Kasturba and Mahadevbhai passed away while in captivity at the Aga Khan Palace.
Because of Gandhi’s work and philosophy, the palace stands as a symbol of the Indian Freedom Movement.
And in 2003, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declared the Aga Khan Palace as a monument of national importance.
Shaniwar Wada, Pune Overview
The former love-nest of Bajirao and Kashi, the Shaniwar Wada in Pune is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. This grand mansion was built by the Peshwa Bajirao I himself as the residence of the Peshwas. Covering a vast area of about 625 acres, the palace is the ideal place to catch a glimpse of India's rich history. The place never fails to amaze the visitor with its various forts and fountain, and the majestic statue of Baji Rao I that greets the visitor at the entrance of the palace.
However, such was the fate of this magnificent complex that it is now the most haunted places of Pune. The palace which was constructed with great enthusiasm and excitement to witness laudable tales of the Peshwas sadly saw nothing other than deceit, ill fate and torment. In the very first year of its completion, the palace saw an untimely death of Peshwa Bajirao I, his disloyalty to his first wife Kashi, and the unfinished love story of Bajirao-Mastani. Once reputed for its marvellous architecture, the palace is now dreaded for its paranormal activities. This and much more has made the site a must-visit place. So, be sure to include it in your itinerary when you next visit Pune.
The saree I am wearing is a Bhagyanagar Cotton, woven on Jacquard looms in the city of Koppal, Karnataka.
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