Experience of torment at Cellular Jail; a testament of pride in its heritage
In the heart of Port Blair, the Cellular Jail stands as a poignant reminder of India's colonial past. Completed in 1906, this historical site was designed as a remote prison, a place of isolation and torture for Indian freedom fighters who dared to oppose British authority. Known as "Kala Pani," the jail held deep significance as a symbol of the ruthless colonial policy to crush the freedom struggle by physically removing revolutionaries far from the mainland.
The structure, with its seven blocks and honeycomb-like corridors, was built to keep prisoners in complete isolation. This extreme form of psychological punishment was rare in typical jails. Prominent Indian freedom fighters, including Vir Savarkar, Mahavir Singh Rathore, Mohan Kishore Namadas, and Mohit Moitra, among others, were imprisoned here under harsh conditions, often enduring extreme suffering and torture.
The Cellular Jail saw two major phases of incarceration of revolutionaries: the first before World War I and the second after World War II. Today, it stands as a memorial to those who sacrificed for India's freedom and is a powerful reminder of the colonial era's oppression. It functions as a museum and hosts a popular Sound and Light Show that vividly narrates the lives and sufferings of the prisoners, helping visitors understand its significance in India’s freedom struggle.
However, concerns have been raised about the incomplete and selective recording of names of some revolutionaries, especially those involved in later phases like the Chittagong Armoury Raid. This points to ongoing efforts to fully acknowledge all freedom fighters associated with this site.
Visiting the Cellular Jail left writer Anshu Seth from Mohali with a renewed sense of patriotism and a commitment to honor the memories of brave ancestors. A 6-year-old boy stood throughout the show with the Indian flag in his hand, prompting applause from others. An elderly Bengali woman shouted "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," prompting a chorus of slogans from fellow visitors.
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However, not all visitors viewed the experience in the same light. Some tourists appeared detached, viewing the experience as just another item on their travel itinerary. A gentleman suggested the show should have been shorter, while his wife defended its length, highlighting its importance in understanding India’s struggle for independence.
Regardless of individual perspectives, the Cellular Jail remains a moving and profound experience, offering a journey into the heart of India's struggle for independence.
References: [1] The Cellular Jail, Port Blair. (n.d.). In UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1146 [2] Cellular Jail National Memorial. (n.d.). In Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Retrieved from https://www.incredibleindia.org/cellular-jail-national-memorial [3] Cellular Jail. (n.d.). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/place/Cellular-Jail
- A visitor's opinion about the Cellular Jail in Port Blair resonates with patriotic sentiments, inspired by the struggles of freedom fighters and the poignant history it symbolizes.
- Despite its historical and emotional significance, some individuals perceive the Cellular Jail experience as just another travel itinerary item, prompting divergent opinions about its length and purpose.
- News outlets often cover the Cellular Jail in their lifestyle and general-news sections, with stories touching upon ongoing efforts to uncover unrecorded histories of Indian freedom fighters and the museum's popular Sound and Light Show.
