Aga Khan Palace

Aga Khan Palace was intended to be a source of employment for the famine-struck villagers in the surrounding areas. Constructed by Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, the palace is famed and well-related with Indian Independence Movement.  In the palace, many important freedom fighters were put under arrest by the British. During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi, along with Mahadeobhai Desai, were imprisoned in the palace.

They were imprisoned in the palace from 9th August 1942 to 6th May 1944. Both Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadeobhai Desai passed away during their captivity in the palace. Beautiful marbles were used by Charles Correa to make the memorials of Mahadeobhai Desai and Kasturba Gandhi that are housed in the palace. These memorials have been placed near Mula River. Surrounded by green gardens, the palace also contains beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites.  

Successor to and grandson of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, Prince Shah Karim al-Hussayni Aga Khan IV donated the palace to the Government of India. He donated the palace in 1969 in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy. Owing to its close association with Mahatma Gandhi, who was kept at this palace under house arrest in the 1940s, it is also known as the Gandhi National Memorial. Collection of pictures and photographs of the important incidents in Mahatma Gandhi’s life are housed in a museum inside the palace complex.

In the museum are also preserved Mahatma Gandhi's personal items, including utensils, clothes, mala, chappals (slippers) and a letter written by him on the death of his aide, Mahadeobhai Desai. In the museum are also placed small amount of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes. Gandhi Memorial Society, which has its headquarters in the palace, manages the museum, memorials and its campus. To showcase the life and career of Mahatma Gandhi, exhibitions are held at the palace on a regular basis.

Timing:   9 am – 5:30 pm