History of Cellular Jail
Although the complex of the Cellular Jail was constructed in the year 1906, the Britishers had been using the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a prison since the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Soon after the mutiny, there was a widespread execution of the rebels, whilst the rebels who survived were banished to the islands. As many as 933 prisoners were sent off to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a punishment for their crimes against the state. Keeping the ever-growing number of inmates in mind, an 'Andamanese Home' was constructed there, which was also a repressive institution disguised as a charitable one. Many prisoners from Burma and those who were related to the Mughal regime were exiled here as well.
The late 19th century saw a surge in the independence movement and a number of prisoners were being exiled to the Andamans. As a result of the same, the need for a high-security prison was felt as most of the prisoners preferred to be exiled to the islands rather than staying over in the Indian jails. This need was fulfilled when the Cellular Jail was constructed here, which was deemed to be "a place of exclusion and isolation within a more broadly constituted remote penal space."
Architecture of Cellular Jail
The complex of the cellular jail is the true depiction of the standing history of the Indian Independence leaders during their time in exile in the jail. The original building was a puce-coloured construction and was named "Cellular Jail" on the basis of its architecture. The prison is divided into seven wings which radiate from the main tower into seven different directions. Each of the wings consisted of 693 solitary cells instead of rooms or dormitories. The cells were a mere 4.5 by 2.7 meters with a small ventilator, such that the face of a cell saw the ack of the other, making any communication impossible. The construction of the small cells of the jail in itself is an evidence of the cruelty that Indian leaders had to face in order to free this country from the British rule.
Cellular Jail Memorial
After Independence in 1947, many members of the 'Ex-Andaman Political Prisoner's Fraternity Circle' visited the prison. After debates and discussions with the Government, it was decided that the jail must be preserved and the Cellular Jail was declared a National Memorial without making any substantial charge to its edifice. The Prime Minister dedicated the memorial to the people of India on 11th February 1979.
As you enter the building, the entrance block opens into an exhibition gallery which has photos of our freedom fighters. A gallery of the First War of Independence and an Old Photograph gallery is also housed in the museum premises. The first floor of the building has an Art Gallery, Netaji Gallery and a Library on Freedom Movement. A flame of Freedom-Swatantrya Jyot burns here eternally in the memory of all freedom fighters and martyrs who lost their life for the honour of the country.
Light and Sound Show
In the memory of the brave martyrs, the Cellular Jail authorities organize a light and sound show on every Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Hindi show timings are 6:00 PM and 7:15 PM, whereas there is only one English show at 7:15 PM and the price of the show is INR 50 per head. The light and sound show not only transforms the cellular jail into a beautiful stage of a live performance but also narrates the heart-wrenching history of independence movement along with the lives of the prisoners in the jail during the British era.
How to Reach Cellular Jail
The cellular Jail is located within the city of Port Blair. The best way to reach the jail complex is by hiring your own private cab as the public transport in Andaman isn't well developed. Else, you can also take an auto-rickshaw to reach your destination.
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Tips
1. There is a hefty charge of INR 200 to carry your camera inside the premises of the museum. Unless you want to photograph the museum interiors, it is advisable to leave your camera back in your vehicle or hotel room.
2. Follow the guide so that you can know the history of the museum in a better way.
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