Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day was one of the most violence and cruel acts committed by the British Government against unarmed Indian civilians on April 13, 1919. On this day a large number of people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab to celebrate New year for the Sikh community and the Baisakhi Festival.
On the morning of the Baisakhi Festival, British General Colonel Reginald Dyer announced a curfew or prohibiting 4 or more people from meeting publicly at Amritsar. But at the mid day thousands of people gathered at Harmandir Sahib Park for peaceful protests. British General Brigadier Colonel Reginald knew about that and ordered 50 riflemen to fire on civilians for 10 to 15 minutes.
The Background and Causes Of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day
The Rowlatt Act
The Rowlatt Act or Black Act was the controversial law passed by the British Brigadier General Colonel Reginald on March 19, 1919. These acts gave the colonial authorities sweeping powers to arrest and imprison Indian civilians without trial.#On April 06,1919 the Indian National Congress led by Mahatma Gandhi initiated a protest against the Rowlatt Act named as Satyagrah.
On April 7, 1919 Mahatma Gandhi published an article known as Satyagrahi by describing the ways to oppose the Rowlatt Act. After this British Govt. issued an order to prohibit Mahatma Gandhi from entering Punjab and arrest him if he disobeyed the order.
The Arrest & Deportation Of Indian Leaders
In Amritsar, a group of prominent Indian leaders Dr Saifudin Kitchlew and Dr Satyapal who were a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity organised a protest against the Rowlatt Act.
On April 9, 1919, Sir Michael O’ Dwyer the lieutenant Governor of Punjab (1912-1919) issued an order to Mr Living the Deputy Commissioner to arrest Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr Satyapal.
On April 10, 1919 Mr Living invited the two Indian leaders to his house and arrested them. After that many Indian civilians went to the Mr living residence to release them but they were fired and killed.
The Massacre at Jallianwala Bagh
The Incident This incident happened in the Jallianwala Bagh park. The park is surrounded by high walls and there is only one narrow entrance to enter and exit. General Dyer commanded 50 riflemen to fire for 10 minutes at the entrance point towards the gathered unarmed people.
The Casualties
At Jallianwala Bagh Park firing continued for 10 minutes and totally 1650 rounds were fired by 50 riflemen. According to General Dyer and Mr Living report there were 291 deaths in this incident, But this was not true. More than 1000 people including women and children are dead and wounded.
Reaction Of The Indian Public After Incident
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre incident sparked freedom movements and protests against British Government and rule across India. The Indian National Congress conducted a more aggressive campaign against British Rule. Mahatma Gandhi started the Non-cooperation movement known as Boycott Of British Goods.
British Government Response
After this incident the British Government awarded Brigadier General Dyer for his role in this Massacre. But some British officials demand that this incident cause a rift in the British Government. Eventually Dyer was forced to retire from the British Government. The British Government passed the Government of India Act 1919 which granted limited self rule for India.
Post Jallianwala Bagh
After 2 days of incident of Jallianwala Bagh Martial Law was clamped down on districts of Punjab ( Lahore, Amritsar, Gujranwala, Gujarat and Lyallpur). The declaration of Martial Law was to empower the viceroy to direct immediate trial by court martial of any person involved in the revolutionary activities.
Commemoration Of the Massacre
Every year On April 13, India celebrates Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day for remembrance of the Day. On this day various programmes are organised at the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial.
The Memorial
In 1951, a memorial was built at Jallianwala Bagh to commemorate the victims of the massacre. The park, which covers an area of approximately 6.5 acres, contains a museum that displays artefacts related to the incident.
Every year on April 13, people gather at the Jallianwala Bagh park to pay their tribute to the victims. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre remains a dark chapter in India’s history, and its impact can still be felt today. The incident served as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and serves as a symbol of India’s struggle for independence.
Impact On Indian Cinema & Literature
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre has also had a profound impact on Indian cinema and Literature. Famous Poem “Khooni Vaisakhi” is based on this incident written by Nanak Singh and “The Legend Of Bhagat Singh” is based on this incident directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.
Conclusion
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre remains a dark chapter in Indian history. This day reminds us of British Government brutality towards Indian people. This incident led to a significant step towards independence for India.
FAQs
What was the Rowlatt Act?
The Rowlatt Act or Black Act was a controversial law passed by the British government in March 19,1919, that gave the colonial authorities sweeping powers to arrest and imprison Indian citizens without trial.
How many people were killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
At the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre more than 1,000 people were killed or wounded by the British Government.
Who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
British Govt. Brigadier- General Reginald Dyer, was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Who was commanding the British troops to fire at Jallianwala Bagh.
How did the Indian public react to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre incident sparked freedom movements and protests against British Government and rule across India. The Indian National Congress conducted a more aggressive campaign against British Rule.
What is the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial?
In 1951, a memorial was built at Jallianwala Bagh to commemorate the victims of the massacre. The park, which covers an area of approximately 6.5 acres, contains a museum that displays artefacts related to the incident.