Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail: History, Legacy & Visitor Information

One of the major historical sites in India is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail. The Andaman Prison is also referred to as the Cellular Jail and Kala Pani. This historic structure stands for the efforts and sacrifices of numerous Indian freedom fighters during the British rule. Located in Port Blair, the Jail is an example of the endurance of the revolutionaries and the sufferings they had to undergo for the freedom of India.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail is now an important tourist destination for people of all ages and interests. It is a historically and nationally emotionally valuable monument because of the beautiful and unique architecture of the Cellular Jail.

What Is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail?

The Cellular Jail was constructed by the British between the years 1896 to 1906. This Jail was a high-security colonial prison designed to house political prisoners and freedom fighters, who were exiled to this prison from the mainland of India.

The prison was also known as Kala Pani, or black waters, as the only way to travel to these far-off remote islands was by punishment transport. The total isolation of the prison, and the harsh conditions in the British Indian prison itself, made escape virtually impossible.

History of the Cellular Jail in Andaman

The British established the Cellular Jail in Andaman after the Indian Mutiny of 1857 as a method to locate a remote venue to house imprisoned Indian revolutionaries.

Construction began in 1896 and cellular jail was completed in 1906.

Initially had seven wings around a main tower.
Nearly 700 cells partitioned the wings.
Made to hold prisoners.

It housed many well known freedom fighters like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who were imprisoned in very harsh conditions.

Why was the Andaman Jail called Kala Pani?

The word Kala Pani means black water and was associated with the punishment involving the crossing of the sea which meant social isolation for the Indians. The British authorities strategically choose the Andaman Islands as their isolation location because of the Islands’ remoteness, lack of communication and escape.

The Kala Pani Jail became famous for the black water imprisonment and for the suffering, the back breaking labor and the brutal treatment of the political prisoners.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail Architecture

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail had an architectural design that was very different and unique for its period.

Some of the jail’s architectural features were:

Seven wings radiating from a center
A three-story building made of bricks
A solitary center observation tower
A number of solitary confinement cells
Windows designed for poor ventilation
Heavy Iron Doors

The design of the prison facilitated the guards’ monitoring of the prisoners and also ensured the segregation of the prisoners.

Freedom Fighters who were Imprisoned in the Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail was used to imprison many famous Indian revolutionaries who were involved in the Indian independence struggle.

Some of these revolutionaries were:

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Barindra Kumar Ghosh
Ullaskar Dutta
Batukeshwar Dutt (who while being associated with the freedom struggle, was not a long term prisoner in this jail)

The above freedom fighters suffered an extremely harsh regime characterized by back-breaking forced labor, inhumane physical punishment and long durations of solitary confinement.

Daily Struggles at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail

Day-to-day efforts at the Andaman Prisons were unbearably cruel. Inmates had to deal with:

Isolation
Labor at the Oil Mill
Manufacture of ropes
Surveillance
Starvation
Beatings
Emotional Isolation

While they struggled, prisoners continuously protested against colonialism by going on hunger strikes and other forms of protests.

The Cellular Jail National Memorial

After India became free, the jail started its journey to transform from a colonial jail to a national memorial.

You can find several things inside the jail including:

Museums
Galleries
Exhibits
Jail Cells
Watch Towers
Memorials
Light and Sound Shows

The Light and Sound shows are an evening attraction and tell the story of the struggle for Indian freedom, making it the most famous show in Port Blair.

When to Go to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail

The best time to go is from October to May, to experience the best weather for travel.

Travel tips:

Go in the morning for less crowded cells.
Get your tickets in time for the evening Light and Sound show.
Plan to walk a lot. Wear your proper walking shoes.
Carry Water (particularly during the warmer months)

How to Reach Cellular Jail

Jail in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Access options include:

a visit to Veer Savarkar International Airport
Taxi to Cellular Jail
autos or local buses, or
private cab if you want more comfort.

The monument is located in the heart of Port Blair and is accessible from most of the hotels.

Why Visit The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Jail?

A visit to the Cellular Jail is not just a sightseeing tour. It is an opportunity to know the history of the freedom struggle of India and some of the brave and patriotic people who fought for the freedom of their people.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail is a must-see place for anyone, whether you are a traveller, a historian, or a photographer.

Conclusion

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail/ Cellular Jail/ Kala Pani represents the bravery and determination of Indians. Its history is different from other prisons. It is the history of the sacrifice and of the indomitable spirit of the freedom fighters of India. From the British construction period to the National Memorial, the Cellular Jail has continued to show the price of our freedom. Visiting this site forces one to think about the courage of those who suffered great hardships in the name of freedom for India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Right. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail is also known as the Cellular Jail or Kala Pani.

2. Where is Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jail?

Its headquarters are located at Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

3. Is Cellular Jail open to the tourists?

Yep. The Cellular Jail provides visitors with a variety of exhibits and displays including preserved cells and a major Light and Sound Show which tells the story of the fight for India’s freedom.

4. What is the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands Prison?

The best period is considered to be between October and May, when the weather conditions are more agreeable for sightseeing and other activities done outside.