Aga khan Palace was built way back in 1892 by Aga khan III. It is said that the king facilitated the construction of the palace to provide employment to the famine inflicted people of the nearby areas. In the year 1969, the palace was granted to the Indian government by Aga khan IV as a token of respect for Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophies. Aga Khan Palace is the witness of India's Freedom Movement. In1942, after the launch of Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and their long time aid Mahadev Desai were kept confined inside the palace. Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai breathed their last breath while in captivity and there samadhis were made inside the palace. After the demise of Mahatma Gandhi, his ashes were also inhumed in the palace. Aga Khan Palace is also called The Gandhi National Memorial as it proudly and securely keeps the memories of the great austere Mahatma Gandhi and his life.

The palace has a museum where the belongings of Mahatma Gandhi like his utensils, clothes, slippers, letters and a myriad collection of paintings depicting the journey of his life are placed safely. The palace is managed under Gandhi Memorial Society. The society oversees the upkeep and smooth running of this historic and iconic memorial. The famous film 'Gandhi' was also shot in Aga khan Palace. The venue was chosen to offer authenticity to the film. A lot of events and exhibitions are also held throughout the year at the palace like Martyr’s day (30th January), Independence day (15th August), Bapu’s birth anniversary and Ba and Bapu awards ceremony (2nd October) etc. These events are organised with a view to promote tourism in Pune and to draw tourists to this enchanting palace of the bygone era.

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