Wonders of Pune: Aga Khan Palace

History: Spread across an area of 19 acres, the Aga Khan Palace is a combination of Muslim and French architecture and has Italianate arches surrounded by well-laid out sprawling lawns and gardens. This landmark was built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III who got it constructed to help the poor people in the neighbouring areas of Pune who had been drastically hit by famine. It was here that eminent freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, Mahadevbhai Desai and Sarojini Naidu were interned or held as prisoners during the freedom struggle. Various things used by Mahatama Gandhi such as his writing desk, his bed and Kasturba Gandhi’s sari, clothes and footwear have been preserved in this monument that has pictures of the Indian struggle for independence adorning its walls. This is also the place where Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadevbhai breathed their last. Highlight: Mahatma Gandhi was held prisoner here.

To see: Open daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm.

By The Indian Panorama | New York Desk