Heritage defines a lot and the spadework which goes behind making something grand is just huge. The historical significance, culture, art and religion, etc. come under the purview of heritage.� There are numerous monuments and structures which contribute to the development of heritage and for the same we have such things in abundance. These monuments promulgate the heritage in many ways. One such grand palace is the Aga Khan Palace which is located in the city of Pune, Maharashtra.
If we trace back the history of this palace we would come to know that this palace was built in the year 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III. This palace is one of the biggest landmarks in the entire Indian history. When crisis hits the scenario few people definitely turn up for help and this palace is a symbol of helping people during the times of crisis. Pune was once hit by a famine and the condition of the city was horrible. Aga Khan for the betterment of people donated this palace. This was an act of charity by the Sultan and this is the reason why this palace accounts for being pristine.� If we look at the heritage which this palace offers we would come to know that this palace is associated with the Indian Freedom Movement.
This palace served as a prison for the founding father of Indian Freedom Struggle Mahatma Gandhi and many other people who have marked a great degree of importance in the Indian and World history. Other people who were kept here as the prisoners were Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai (secretary of Gandhi) and Sarojini Naidu. One would be amazed by the fact that this palace still houses most of the things used by Gandhiji and some of them include his pair of chappals, some of his clothes, the garlands which Mahatma Gandhi made on his own, letters written by Mahatma Gandhi in his own handwriting and much more. �Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi have their memorials in the same palace. This grand palace is covers an area of 19 acres. It took almost five years for building this palace. One would be amazed by having a look at the way in which this palace is constructed and even in modern times this palace commands the same level of respect as it did in the history.
The Aga Khan Palace is the headquarters of Gandhi National Memorial Society. Gandhiji used his own Charkha and made khaadi clothes. There is a shop over here which sells Khaddi products and other hand loomed textiles. This place also has some of the best poems written in Marathi language for Mahatma Gandhi and this is very special about this place.� As one visits this palace one would find that there are many photos of Gandhiji and other freedom fighters. The best part about this is that there is a lot of information portrayed below the pictures which makes it easier to understand the entire heritage and culture of the Indian Freedom Movement. This palace has a beautiful garden surrounding it adds to the overall beauty of the palace. Morning prayers are held daily near the Samadhi and this has been going on since decades. This place is the major center of attraction in the Pune city.
My experience at this palace was amazing and it can�t be conveyed in words. The palace gives you a feeling of hope and much more. One feels rejuvenated after visiting the palace. This is the power of silence which prevails here. This palace is connected to major other cities and transportation is not an issue.