Connection with Gandhiji 
Gandhiji was imprisoned in the palace along with his wife Kasturba, close aide Mahadev Desai and some other associates, from August 1942 to May 1944. Kasturba and Mahadev Desai died during imprisonment.

Background
Soon after the beginning of the Quit India movement on August 8, 1942, Gandhiji was arrested the next day in the early morning from Birla House. The warrant also mentioned the names of Mahadev Desai and Meeraben (Madeleine Slade). His wife Kasturba, medical advisor Dr. Sushila Nayar and close aide Pyarelal were arrested and later sent to Aga Khan Palace with Gandhiji. Veteran freedom fighter-poetess Sarojini Naidu and Gandhiji’s grand-niece Manu Gandhi joined them later.

At Aga Khan Palace
• Gandhiji’s secretary and close aide Mahadev Desai passed away on August 15, 1942 at the age of 50. It was an irreparable loss. He was cremated on the premises of Aga Khan Palace.
• Gandhiji declared a 21-days fast from February 10, 1943 to March 2, 1943 at the age of 73. The fast was in protest against Government propaganda that the responsibility for disturbances after the Quit India resolution and subsequent arrest of leaders was that of Congress. At one point during the fast, Gandhiji was so close to death that the government made arrangements for his funeral, prepared a draft announcing his death, and military troops were alerted in case riots broke out.
• Kasturba passed away after a prolonged illness on February 22, 1944 at the age of 74. She was cremated the next day. The youngest son Devdas Gandhi lit the funeral pyre.
• Gandhiji was released on May 6, 1944 on health grounds.

-Present Structure
In 1969, Prince Karim, that is Aga Khan IV gifted this palace to the people of India and now, it is a site associated with the Indian National Movement.

Digital Experience
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