Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Cellular Jail situated at the Atlanta Point in Port Blair (now Sri Vijayapuram), capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is one of the spots in India that have a lot of historical background in the context of the British rule. The jail in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is historically significant as it served as a notorious penal colony for freedom fighters during the British era, established by the British government to suppress the Indian freedom movement.
The jail surrounded by kaala paani (black waters) hides the darkest secrets of torture, atrocities and hardships faced by the political prisoners during the time of British Raj. It is now a national memorial museum that is one of the most visited tourist spots in Port Blair.
Wrapping the agony, anger and pain of inmates behind the excellent architecture, this jail which earlier was the centre for life imprisonment is now looked upon with patriotic fervour by the Indian visitors. The heart breaking stories are somehow still alive in these wings. This national memorial still stands strong to sing to the melodies of freedom which we enjoy now without even realising the cost at which we got it in the first place. Our Indian activists and freedom fighters like Batuskheswar Dutt, Yogendra Shukla and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar were held captive in here during India’s freedom struggle.
Located around 4 kms from the Vir Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, this monument should be at the top of your checklist as it marks the whole archipelago as the torturous deserted islands where the prisoners once brought to could never see the face of the main Indian subcontinent.
The museum & the light and sound show at the Cellular Jail make the visitors understand the painful past that this structure holds within itself.
History and Significance of the National Memorial
The Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, holds a significant place in India’s history, particularly during the British colonial era. It was part of a larger penal settlement established to isolate and punish political prisoners. Constructed by the British in 1906, this jail was designed to exile political prisoners and freedom fighters far away from the mainland. The remote location in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands ensured that escape was nearly impossible, making it an ideal place for the British to suppress the Indian independence movement.
The jail became infamous for its inhumane treatment of prisoners. Many prominent freedom fighters, including Batukeshwar Dutt, Yogendra Shukla, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, were incarcerated here. These brave individuals endured severe hardships, including solitary confinement, forced labor, and physical torture. Despite these conditions, the spirit of resistance and the fight for independence remained unbroken among the inmates. The construction of the jail was sanctioned by the then Prime Minister of Britain, reflecting the colonial government's intent to crush the Indian freedom struggle.
The Cellular Jail stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by these freedom fighters. It symbolizes the resilience and determination of those who fought for India’s independence, making it a site of immense historical and emotional significance.
Architecture and Layout
The architecture of the Cellular Jail is a stark reminder of the British colonial era’s oppressive nature. Designed by the British, the jail’s layout was intended to maximize isolation and control over the prisoners. The structure originally consisted of seven wings, radiating from a central watchtower, resembling the spokes of a wheel. This unique design allowed the guards to keep a close watch on all the prisoners from a single vantage point.
Each wing had three stories, with a total of 693 cells, each measuring 4.5 by 2.7 meters. The cells were designed for solitary confinement, ensuring that prisoners had minimal contact with each other. The small, barred windows provided little ventilation and light, adding to the prisoners’ misery.
The central watchtower was equipped with a bell, which was used to signal the beginning and end of the prisoners’ daily routines. The jail authorities enforced strict surveillance and harsh punishments to maintain control over the inmates. The gallows, where many freedom fighters were executed, were also located within the jail premises. The architecture of the Cellular Jail reflects the British intent to break the spirit of the Indian freedom fighters through isolation and harsh conditions.
Life Inside the Jail for Freedom Fighters
Life inside the Cellular Jail was a harrowing experience for the prisoners, reflecting the severe conditions prevalent in Indian jails during the colonial era. The British authorities subjected the inmates to extreme physical and mental torture, aiming to crush their spirit and deter others from joining the freedom struggle. The daily routine of the prisoners was grueling, with long hours of forced labor under the scorching sun.
Prisoners were often assigned tasks such as breaking stones, extracting coconut oil, and weaving coir ropes. The work was physically demanding, and the prisoners were given minimal food and water, leading to severe malnutrition and exhaustion. The cells were cramped and poorly ventilated, making the living conditions unbearable.
Solitary confinement was a common punishment, where prisoners were locked in small, dark cells for extended periods. The lack of human contact and the oppressive silence took a severe toll on their mental health. Despite these hardships, the prisoners found ways to resist and maintain their morale. They secretly communicated with each other, shared news from the outside world, and even organized hunger strikes to protest against the inhumane treatment.
The resilience and courage displayed by the inmates of the Cellular Jail are a testament to their unwavering commitment to India’s independence. Their sacrifices and struggles continue to inspire generations, much like the symbolic act of hoisting the Indian national flag by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Port Blair, which marked a significant moment in India's fight for freedom.
Tourist Information and Visiting the Jail
The Cellular Jail is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in India’s freedom struggle and the history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Here are some essential tourist information and tips for visiting the jail:
- Visiting Hours: The Cellular Jail welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Please note that the jail is closed on Mondays and public holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Entry Fee: The entry fee is quite reasonable, with â‚ą30 for Indian nationals and â‚ą150 for foreign visitors. Children below the age of 15 can enter for free, making it an educational trip for families.
- Guided Tours: To truly appreciate the historical significance of the Cellular Jail, consider taking a guided tour. Available in English, Hindi, and other languages, these tours last about an hour and provide a detailed insight into the jail’s history and the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.
- Photography: While photography is allowed in most parts of the jail, visitors are requested not to take pictures of the gallows or the cells where the freedom fighters were imprisoned. This rule helps maintain the sanctity of these solemn sites.
- Dress Code: Visitors are expected to dress modestly out of respect for the national memorial. Additionally, you will need to remove your shoes before entering certain areas of the jail.
Practical Information for Visitors
Here are some practical tips for visitors planning to visit the Cellular Jail:
- Getting There: The Cellular Jail is conveniently located in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The nearest airport is the Veer Savarkar International Airport, just about 4 km away. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available from the airport to the jail, making the journey hassle-free.
- Accommodation: Port Blair offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. It is advisable to book your stay in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure a comfortable visit.
- Food: The culinary scene in Port Blair is diverse, with numerous restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and seafood cuisine. Don’t miss out on trying the local street food, which is both delicious and affordable.
- Weather: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands enjoy a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C throughout the year. Visitors should carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing to stay comfortable and protected from the sun.
- Respect the Monument: The Cellular Jail is not just a tourist attraction but a national memorial monument that symbolizes India’s freedom struggle. Visitors are expected to respect the monument and its history, refraining from any behavior that may be considered disrespectful.
By following these tips, you can ensure a meaningful and respectful visit to the Cellular Jail, gaining a deeper understanding of its historical significance and the sacrifices made by India’s freedom fighters.
Contact Information
Tourist Information Center, Directorate of IPT
Directorate of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Port Blair - 744101
03192 – 232694
03192 – 232747 / 230933