Cellular Jail : Andaman

Cellular Jail, the  notorious jail of Andaman

HISTORY : Till 1857, Andaman & Nicobar Islands had been just another dot on the map of the British empire. Came the struggle for India's independence and the first mutiny in 1857, the British rulers found new use for these islands and thereby starts the agonizing story of the massive and awesome Cellular Jail. Located at Port Blair in the Andamans, the Cellular Jail is closely associated with the freedom struggle.  The patriots, whoever raised their voice against the British rule, were sent to this Cellular jail. Thousands languished for years in solitary confinement in its cells. Many perished. Thus giving Andamans the notorious sobriquet of 'KALA PANI' or the Black Waters.


TODAY : Today, the Cellular Jail is a National Memorial, a tribute to theose who dared.  That’s why the visit to the Cellular jail is a pilgrimage for every Indian.The freedom what we are enjoying today is the result of the sacrifices of those who suffered for years in the solitary confinement in its small cells.The saga of  the heroic struggle for freedom is now brought alive in a moving sound and light show. 

Cellular Jail Andaman. Now it is a National Memorial

Cellular Jail's Corridor. At the left side you can see the lanterns are still hanging

Picture of one of the Cells where prisoners used to be kept for years

There are photo galleries of the freedom fighters who were imprisoned in this  Cellular jail (Kalapani) as punishment by the British rulers then. are well maintained by the Government. Visitors can see the names of the prisoners and period they served their term in that jail. Among those prisoners some were having artistic talents and they spent time by painting. Those paintings are also preserved in a well maintained painting gallery. Those are open to public and still photography is allowed. Some of those beautiful paintings are posted below :

Painting : Kalapani (above)

 Another beautiful painting