Cellular Jail, Kala Pani Jail is an old colonial jail located in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Which is also known as 'Cellular Jail'. This prison was built by the British and was specifically used to detain political prisoners. Let us tell you that many atrocities were committed on the prisoners by the British in this jail. The construction of Cellular Jail started in the year 1896 and was completed in 1906. After this, this jail was used to house many freedom fighters like Batukeshwar Dutt, Yogendra Shukla and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The Kala Pani prison complex is now owned by the Government of India. It has been turned into a national monument that showcases the lives of prisoners during the British period.
If you want to know about the history of Cellular Jail and its interesting facts, then definitely read this article, in which we are going to give you complete information about Kala Pani Jail –
1. History of Kala Pani Jail
Kala Pani Jail reminds the story of the horrifying and darkest period in the history of India. Soon after the Sepoy Mutiny in the year 1857, the British started using the islands of Andaman and Nicobar to keep the rebels behind bars. To suppress the rebellion before India's independence, the British executed many of the rebels and the rest were sent to lifelong exile in the Andamans. Hundreds of rebels who came to this prison remained under the custody of jailer David Barry and military doctor Major James Pattison Walker.
238 prisoners who tried to escape from prison in March 1868 were captured in April, of whom 87 were hanged. Many patriots who spoke out against colonial rule were convicted and deported from British-controlled India and Burma. In the year 1942, the Japanese defeated the British forces in the Andaman Islands and drove them out of the islands. During this period Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose visited Andaman. Let us tell you that after the end of ‘Second World War’ in 1945, the British again took control of the islands.
2. Brief information about Cellular Gel (Black Water Gel)
a. When was it built - From 1896 to 1906
b. Who was created - By British
c. Where is located - Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India
d. How long did it take to build - 10 years
e. For the purpose of creating - Solitary confinement
f. Architectural Style - Cellular Pronged
g. Visit Timings - 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:45 pm
3. Cellular Jail Architecture
. The complex of Cellular Jail is a true depiction of the history of Indian independence leaders during their exile in the jail. Let us tell you that the original building of the jail was a purple colored structure. It was named “Cellular Prison” based on its architecture.
. This historic prison was divided into 7 wings or parts which lead in seven different directions from the main tower. The entire structure of this prison looks like a bicycle wheel. Every part of it was connected to the central tower. Colored bricks of Pus were brought from Burma for the construction of the building.
. The central tower, to which seven parts or wings were attached, was where the prison guards stood guard to keep a watch on the prisoners. There was also a big bell here to sound the alarm.
. All 7 wings of the prison were three-storey buildings built in such a way that the front of one wing faced the back of the other, allowing a prisoner in one wing to be in the same room as the other wing. Couldn't see or talk to any other prisoners in the wings.
. Even the cells in one wing or section were in a line so that a prisoner in the same wing could not talk to another. Only one prisoner is kept in a cell of this jail so that he could not communicate with other prisoners.
. Because of this feature of solitary confinement in the cell, this jail was named “Cellular” jail. Let us tell you that there were a total of 693 cells in this jail, each of which was 4.5 meters by 2.7 meters and each ventilator was located at a height of 3 meters. There were no dormitories in the jail.
4. Interesting Facts About The Cellular Jail
. Kalapani Jail is located in Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. This jail was constructed by the British Government during 1896 to 1906.
. This prison was used during the colonial period. It was called Kala Pani Jail because there was sea all around this jail and hence no prisoner could hope to escape from it.
. The Cellular Jail was specifically used by the British to deport political prisoners to remote archipelagos during the struggle for Indian independence.
. Let us tell you that great Indian freedom fighters like Batukeshwar Dutt and the famous Veer Savarkar were imprisoned in this jail at that time.
. This prison was captured by Japanese troops in 1942 during World War II and many British soldiers were also made prisoners in this prison.
. Kalapani Jail tells the sad story of Indian political prisoners held by the British. The prisoners were made to work here without food and water.
. The Cellular Jail was among the largest prisons in Asia but today it is a famous national monument.
. The main attraction of the Cellular Jail is its museum, which exhibits the prison life and the story of great Indian political prisoners.
. In this jail you can also see sound and light shows depicting historical events related to it.
. Kalapani Jail is considered one of the darkest chapters of Indian history during the British colonial rule. The mention of which still hurts the patriots.
5. Cellular Jail Timings
Kala Pani Jail is open for tourists from 9:00 am to 12.30 pm and then it remains open from 1:30 pm to 4:45 pm. You should have at least one hour to visit the Cellular Jail and if you want to see the light and sound show then it can take up to two hours.
6. Cellular Jail Light And Sound Show
In this historic jail, a light and sound show is organized by the authority every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in the memory of the brave martyrs. This light and sound show not only turns the Cellular Jail into a beautiful stage of a live performance, but also tells the life of the prisoners in the jail during the British rule as well as the history of the freedom movement.
6.1 Light and Sound Show Timing in Kalapani Jail –
6:00 and 7:15 pm (Hindi show)
7:15 pm (An English show only)
6.2 Entry Fee for Light and Sound Show in Cellular Jail
Rs 50 per person
7. Tips for visiting Kalapani Jail
There is a hefty fee of Rs 200 to take your camera inside the museum premises at Kalapani Jail.
If you don't want to photograph the museum interiors here, it is advisable to leave your camera in your vehicle or hotel room.
If you want to learn better about the history of the museum, follow the guide.
8. How To Reach Cellular Jail Andaman & Nicobar Island
Kalapani Jail is located within the city of Port Blair. Any tourist who wants to visit this jail can reach the jail with the help of private taxi or cab. Let us tell you that public transport is not well developed in Andaman. Apart from this you can also take an auto-rickshaw to reach Cellular Jail.
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