Built in 1892 by Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III in Yerwada, near Pune, the historic Aga Khan Palace was donated to the Government of India in 1969, by Prince Shah Karim al-Hussayni Aga Khan IV as a token of respect for the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy. According to historians the palace was constructed with an intention of providing employment to the scores of families who were struggling for livelihood due to intense famine that had gripped the villages around Pune.

The Aga Khan Palace is also known as the Gandhi National Memorial. The palace features amongst the most significant place in the history of India’s struggle for Independence as from this very place the launch of Quit India Movement was kick-started by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942. Due to which Mahatma Gandhi along with his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his close associate Mahadev Desai were interned at the palace from August 9, 1942 to May 6, 1944. During the period of house arrest in the palace, Mahadev Desai and Kasturba Gandhi passed away and their samadhis or memorials built by Charles Correa are erected inside the palace as a mark of respect for the freedom fighters. The palace also houses a museum showcasing vast collections of historic pictures and Gandhiji’s personal belongings which include utensils, personal items, clothes, mala, slippers, letters and lots more. The Aga Khan Palace has developed as one of the most significant tourist places of attraction in Pune and is being visited by scores of tourists from India and around the world. The main attraction for tourists at the Palace is the museum along with the samadhis and the lush green gardens surrounding the palace.