ARCHITECTURE IN

MAHARASHTRA

AGA KHAN
PALACE , PUNE

HRISHIKESH MOZE
STUDIO 20
ROLL NO : 20021
 AGA KHAN PALACE , PUNE
INTRODUCTION
The Aga Khan Palace, located in Pune, India, is a historic landmark built in 1892 by Sultan
Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III. It is an architectural masterpiece with Italian-style arches and
expansive gardens, symbolizing both grandeur and national significance.
Today, the Aga Khan Palace is a museum showcasing artifacts related to Gandhi and India's
independence movement. It is also the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society.
Besides its historical importance, the palace stands as a reminder of philanthropy, as Aga Khan III
built it to help famine-affected people in the region.

AGA KHAN PALACE

SIGNIFICANCE OF AGA KHAN PALACE IN INDIAN HISTORY
Aga Khan Palace is not only a beautiful building but also a witness to some of the
most important events in Indian history. During the Indian Independence
Movement, the palace served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and other
prominent freedom fighters such as Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, Sarojini
Naidu and others. They were detained at the palace from August 1942 to May
1944, following the Quit India Movement.
The palace was also the place where Mahatma Gandhi lost two of his closest
SULTAN MUHAMMED
associates: his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his secretary Mahadev Desai. Both of
SHAH AGA KHAN III
them died at the palace while in captivity. Their samadhis (memorials) are located
in the premises of the palace.
MAHATMA GANDHI AND KASTURBA GANDHI
The palace is also a symbol of nonviolence and peace, as it was here that Mahatma
Gandhi started his famous fasts to protest against communal violence and to
promote harmony among different communities. The palace also hosted several
meetings and discussions among Gandhi and other leaders on various issues
related to India’s freedom struggle.

CULTURAL AND HISTORIC IMPACT

The palace is not just an architectural marvel but also a symbol of India's history.
It stands as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom movement, making
it a fusion of artistic beauty and historical importance.
MAHADEV DESAI
Today, the Aga Khan Palace is a protected national monument, attracting visitors,
MAHATMA GANDHI AND KASTURBA GANDHI historians, and architecture enthusiasts alike.
ROOM AND THEIR BELONGING’S
HRISHIKESH MOZE | STUDIO 20 | 20021 | 2024-25 FIFTH YEAR
TIMELINE
The palace is converted into a museum and memorial, managed by
the Gandhi National Memorial Society, showcasing artifacts,
1892 August 9 - Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, photographs, and personal belongings of Gandhi.
and other leaders are imprisoned in the palace following the
launch of the Quit India Movement.
August 15 – Mahadev Desai, Gandhi’s secretary, dies of a heart
attack just six days after imprisonment. 1969
Sultan Muhammed Shah 1970
Aga Khan III builds the 1944
Aga Khan Palace in Pune
to provide employment 1942 Aga Khan IV donates the palace to the
Government of India as a tribute to
and relief during a
Mahatma Gandhi.
famine in Maharashtra.

February 22 – Kasturba Gandhi passes away in

the palace due to prolonged illness.
May 6 – Mahatma Gandhi is released from the
Aga Khan Palace.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF AGA KHAN PALACE

The Aga Khan Palace is an architectural masterpiece that
blends ITALIAN AND INDO-SARACENIC STYLES, making it
one of the most elegant and historically significant
structures in India.

KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES:

Grand Structure: The palace spans 19 acres, with a built-up area
of 7 acres, showcasing a blend of European and Indian influences.
Italian Arches: The use of rounded arches and symmetrical
design gives it a distinct Italian Renaissance-style appearance.
Spacious Verandas: The palace has wide corridors and open
verandas, allowing natural ventilation and an airy atmosphere.
Beautiful Gardens: Surrounding the palace are well-manicured
lawns and lush gardens, enhancing its aesthetic and tranquil
appeal.
Ornate Wooden Work: The doors, windows, and ceilings feature
intricate wooden craftsmanship, adding to its grandeur.
Massive Halls and Rooms: The interiors consist of large halls and
MAHATMA GANDHI AND KASTURBA GANDHI
SAMADHI high ceilings, providing a sense of luxury and openness.

HRISHIKESH MOZE | STUDIO 20 | 20021 | 2024-25 FIFTH YEAR

SITE PLAN
The Aga Khan Palace is spread over 19 acres. The site has access from
ENTRY
north side .

The site plan of the Aga Khan Palace consists of the following key
elements:
1. Palace Structure
The main building is a two-story structure with an Indo-Saracenic PARKING
architectural style.
It features large verandas, arched windows, and stone-carved EXIT
details.
The palace is symmetrically planned, with a central courtyard.
2. Gardens and Landscaping
GARDEN
The palace is surrounded by lush, well-manicured gardens. GARDEN
There are lawns, pathways, and fountains that enhance the
aesthetics of the space.
The layout ensures a peaceful and serene environment.
GARDEN
3. Memorial Area
The samadhis (memorials) of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai PALACE
are located within the gardens.
OLD
This area is a place of homage and reflection for visitors. COMPLEX
GARDEN
4. Gandhi Museum and Exhibition Halls FOR
STAFF
The palace houses a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi,
displaying photographs, letters, and historical artifacts.
Some rooms have been converted into exhibition halls showcasing
India’s freedom struggle. LIBRARY

5. Entrance and Pathways

The main entrance leads visitors through a driveway lined with
trees. STAFF
OFFICE
Well-defined pathways connect different sections of the palace RESIDENCE
CANTEEN
complex. &
STORAGE SAMADHI

SITE PLAN

HRISHIKESH MOZE | STUDIO 20 | 20021 | 2024-25 FIFTH YEAR

 EXHIBITION
ROOM

EXHIBITION
ROOM

STORE
ROOM EXHIBITION
ROOM

STORE
ROOM EXHIBITION
ROOM

STORE GANDHIJI'S
ROOM PRISON
ROOM

OFFICE
STORE
EXHIBITION
ROOM
ROOM

STORE STORE STORE

ROOM ROOM ROOM

PALACE FLOOR PLAN

HRISHIKESH MOZE | STUDIO 20 | 20021 | 2024-25 FIFTH YEAR
EXTERIOR DESIGN ELEMENTS INTERIOR DESIGN ELEMENTS
1. Italian-Inspired Architecture 1. Spacious and Elegant Halls
The palace features graceful arches, symmetrical The palace has five grand halls, each featuring
design, and European-style balconies, high ceilings, large archways, and polished
reminiscent of Italian Renaissance architecture. flooring, reflecting luxury and grandeur.
The structure has a sloping roof with decorative The rooms are symmetrically arranged,
eaves, enhancing its grandeur. maintaining a balanced and functional layout.

2. Ornate Wooden Craftsmanship

The doors, window frames, and some ceilings
3. Beautifully Manicured Gardens showcase intricate wooden carvings, a
The palace is surrounded by lush testament to fine craftsmanship.
green gardens, fountains, and The polished wooden elements enhance the
pathways, adding to its tranquil and
palace’s rich and royal feel.
scenic beauty.
3. Artifacts and Museum Displays
These gardens not only enhance
The palace serves as a museumdisplaying:
the palace’s visual appeal but also
Personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi
serve as a peaceful retreat for
(including utensils, clothes, and letters).
visitors.
Rare photographs from the Indian freedom
2. Majestic Arched Verandas
movement.
Expansive open verandas surround the palace,
Historical documents related to Gandhi and
supported by semi-circular Italian arches, providing
the Quit India Movement.
ventilation and natural light.
4. Memorial Rooms
These verandas offer a panoramic view of the lush
gardens and contribute to the palace’s airy and The rooms where Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba
serene atmosphere. Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai were imprisoned
are preserved as historical memorials.
These rooms are kept minimalistic,
maintaining their original look to honor their
significance.
5. High Ceilings and Marble Flooring
The high ceilings ensure cooler indoor
4. Massive Doorways and Windows temperatures, suited for Pune’s climate.
The palace features large, arched windows and Some areas feature marble or stone flooring,
doorways, ensuring proper airflow and sunlight inside. adding to the palace’s royal ambiance.
Ornate wooden doors add a touch of elegance and
craftsmanship to the exterior.

HRISHIKESH MOZE | STUDIO 20 | 20021 | 2024-25 FIFTH YEAR

MATERIALS USED :- RESPONSIVE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES :-
1. Stone and Lime Mortar (Structural Framework) 1. Thick Stone Walls (Temperature Regulation)
The main structure of the palace is built using locally sourced stone and The palace is built using thick stone walls with lime mortar, which helps
lime mortar, ensuring strength and longevity. regulate indoor temperatures.
Lime plaster was used to finish the walls, providing a smooth and refined The stone structure acts as a thermal mass, keeping the interiors cool in
surface. summer and warm in winter.
2. Wood (Doors, Windows, and Ceilings) 2. High Ceilings (Heat Dissipation)
High-quality teak wood was used for doors, window frames, and The high ceilings allow hot air to rise and escape, keeping rooms naturally
decorative ceiling work. cooler.
The intricate carvings on wooden doors and panels reflect fine This is particularly effective in reducing heat buildup during summers.
craftsmanship. 3. Large Arched Windows and Verandas (Cross Ventilation)
3. Marble (Flooring and Memorials) Multiple windows and open verandas promote natural airflow, preventing
Some sections of the palace, especially the memorial area, feature marble heat stagnation.
flooring for an elegant and polished look. The Italian-style arches and spacious corridors allow cool breezes to pass
Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai’s memorials are also made of white through, reducing the need for artificial cooling.
marble. 4. Red Clay Tile Roofing (Monsoon Protection and Insulation)
4. Iron and Metalwork (Railings and Fixtures) The sloping roof with red clay tiles helps in efficient rainwater drainage
Cast iron was used for staircase railings, balcony railings, and decorative during monsoons.
metal elements. Clay tiles provide insulation, preventing excessive heat absorption from
5. Red Clay Tiles (Roofing) the sun.
The palace’s sloping roof is covered with red clay tiles. 5. Lush Gardens (Microclimate Control)
6. Glass (Windows and Decorative Elements) The palace is surrounded by large, well-maintained gardensthat:
Reduce heat absorption by lowering surrounding temperatures.
Increase humidity levels, making the environment pleasant during dry
seasons.
Prevent dust accumulation, keeping the air clean and fresh.
6. Open Courtyards and Verandas (Sunlight and Shade Balance)
The palace includes wide verandas and shaded courtyards, offering a
balance of sunlight and shade.
These spaces reduce direct sun exposure to inner rooms while still
allowing natural light to enter.
7. Use of Locally Available Materials (Eco-Friendly Construction)
Stone, lime mortar, and wood were sourced locally, minimizing
environmental impact.
The sustainable materials contribute to better insulation and lower energy
requirements.

HRISHIKESH MOZE | STUDIO 20 | 20021 | 2024-25 FIFTH YEAR

THANK YOU

HRISHIKESH MOZE | STUDIO 20 | 20021 | 2024-25 FIFTH YEAR