Cellular Jail in Andaman

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History of Cellular Jail 

Cellular Jail Kalapani was used by the Britishers as a prison since 1857 that is during the beginning of the Sepoy Mutiny. It took 10 years for the construction of the Cellular Jail. The jail is now open to public viewing as a National Memorial, and its museum gives one a glimpse of years of India’s struggle for freedom. Notable freedom fighters put up here included Batukeshwar Dutt, Babarao Savarkar, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Diwan Singh Kalepani, and Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi. The building had seven straight wings each leading up to a tower in the middle. The jail was turned into a National Memorial in 1969. Its museum displays several galleries on the ground floor and another wing dedicated to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on the first floor. Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital is also located within the jail complex.

The architecture of Cellular Jail

The architecture of the Cellular Jail in Port Blair was designed and constructed by the British government so that the Indian political leaders can be kept in jail isolated and deserted from the rest of the world. The entire structure has been built using puce coloured bricks which were exclusively brought from Burma. Other essentials of iron like iron triangular frame and grills, neck ring shackles etc were imported from England. There are a total of 693 cells in the jail. 

Freedom fighters in Cellular Jail

Most of the prisoners in Cellular Jail were freedom fighters and political leaders but there were normal criminals as well.  Some of the famous independence fighters that were imprisoned here are Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Yogendra Shukla, and Batukeshwar Dutt. 

Haunted Cellular Jail

The dark side of Cellular Jail is heart-wrenching. Prisoners in the jail were forced to work under severe conditions and they were starved for long hours. Even their toilet breaks were restricted and they were allowed to use the washroom only when the authorities allowed. Sinister punishments were given to the prisoners for not completing the work. As a result, many gone mad and many others were forced to commit suicide. 

Cellular Jail Memorial 

After India got independence in the year 1947, the Cellular Jail was declared a National Memorial with an objective to preserve it. On 11 February 1979, the Cellular Jail was dedicated to the people of India by the Prime Minister. At the entrance of the jail, there is an exhibition gallery consisting of everything related to the history of independence and our freedom fighters. 

Availability of Guides

Guides are available at the entrance of the Cellular Jail who will not only help you reach the ticket counter but will also tell you everything about the jail, its history, and its significance. If you are a history buff, then we would suggest you hire a guide in order to know in detail about the Cellular Jail in Andaman.

Attractions Near Cellular Jail

Some amazing places to visit near Cellular Jail are:

Ross Island

North Bay Island

Kala Pathar Beach

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Little Andaman

Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail

The Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail is organized by the government authorities of Andaman to remind tourists about the struggle of freedom fighters. The whole history of the independence struggle is depicted in the form of acts and performances during this light and sound show which will leave you heart-wrecked. The show takes place every day of the week at 05:15 pm, 06:20 pm and 7:25 pm for a Hindi performance and at 8:30 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends. The English version of the show is performed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 08:30 pm only.

Facts About Cellular Jail

1. The Cellular Jail was also called Kaalapani as the entire jail was surrounded by sea, hence, prisoners could not escape it.

2. During the time of freedom struggle, fighters like Veer Savarkar and Batukeshwar Dutt were imprisoned in the Cellular Jail.

3. Cellular Jail which was earlier a jail is now a national museum.

4. The imprisoners were made to work here under very severe conditions without food and water.