Main Info
Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace is a very big building that was constructed in the year 1892, the palace was constructed by Sultan Shah Muhammed Aga Khan the third. The palace played a very huge role in India’s quest for independence, it is perhaps the most significant of all landmarks in the history of India. The palace was the place where Sarojini Naidu, Desai Mahadev and even the famous activist Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi were imprisoned. The historical importance of the Aga Khan Palace cannot be overemphasized as well as the architectural beauty it poses. The palace is the current headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial society, it covers a land area of about 19 acres. One of the most prominent handiwork here is khadi making. The palace was built by the Sultan to help poor people in nearby communities when there was a great famine in their land. Inside the palace is a memorial built by an architect called Charles Corea, the memorial was built for Mahadev Desai and Kasturba Gandhi.
The palace is home to several collections of varieties of pictures, asides the pictures, you will also find personal effects that was owned by Mahatma Gandhi. The Ashes of the great activist was also buried in the ground of the palace. The monument was later in the year 2003 declared to of national importance.
Extra Information On Aga Khan Palace: The Historical Importance of Aga Khan Palace
The history of Aga Khan Palace can be traced to the activist, Mahatma Gandhi who is often called the father of India. Not long after launching the Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and the Secretary Desai Mahadev were confined to the four walls of prison from the 9th of August 1942 to the 6th of May 1944. Sadly, Desai Mahadev and Kasturba Gandhi died whilst still in prison in the Aga Khan Palace and they have their Samadhi Mandir situated in the Palace.
In the year 1968, the people of India received the Aga Khan Palace as a donation by Aga Khan to serve as a respect to Gandhi and all that he stood for. In the year 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi payed a visit to the palace and she allotted a yearly amount totaling INR 20,000 which was for the maintenance of the palace. The amount was increased after sometime to INR 1,000,000. The memorials dedicated to Kasturba Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi can be found in the Palace.
Structure of Aga Khan Palace
The building of the Palace covers an area of 19 acres, it has a total of five halls within the compound. The Aga Khan Palace has a series of building which combines Italian style of arches and a very big lawn. This is often the place where Gandhi Smarak Samittee meetings took place regularly. The current headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society is a two-storey building which is surrounded by a large Corridor which is about 2.5 metres. Inside the Aga Khan Palace, you’ll find some artefacts, pictures and photographs which is linked to the Gandhis. The palace is also houses store that is into different type of loomed textiles as well as khadi.
Prominent Celebrations in Aga Khan Palace
The Gandhi Memorial Society often holds different functions open to the public, these functions are celebrated in the Palace. The celebrations are: Independence Day which is held on August 5.
Martyr’s Day, celebrated on January 30th.
Republic Day celebrated January 26th.
Death of Kasturba Gandhi, Maha Shivratri anniversary also doubles as Mother’s day is celebrated on August 15th
Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated October 2nd yearly.
Best Way to Get to Aga Khan Palace
To get to the Aga Khan Palace which is located at a distance of about 7 kilometers from centre of the city, there is an option to use rickshaw or city bus. The auto-rickshaw will take you strait to the Aga Khan Palace and this seems to be the most convenient option. You can hail a taxi from anywhere you are in the city and they will take you straight to the Palace. Any option you decide to use, you’ll still get to the Aga Khan Palace safely and in no time.
