Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is known for a brutal massacre that took place on April 13, 1919, during the British colonial rule in India. The incident is considered one of the deadliest and most notorious in the history of Indian independence struggle.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was the result of the British government's decision to impose martial law in Punjab following the non-cooperation movement against British rule. The British government banned all public gatherings and imposed strict curfews to prevent the people from organizing protests.
On the day of the incident, a large group of unarmed Indian civilians, including men, women, and children, had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to peacefully protest against the arrest and deportation of two Indian nationalist leaders. The protesters were unaware of the imposition of martial law and the ban on public gatherings.
The British army, led by General Reginald Dyer, arrived at the scene and blocked the only entrance and exit to the park. Without warning, the soldiers opened fire on the unarmed crowd, shooting indiscriminately for around 10 minutes until their ammunition was exhausted. The firing continued even as people were trying to flee, resulting in a horrific loss of life.
The exact number of casualties is unknown, but it is estimated that between 379 and 1000 people were killed, and over a thousand more were injured. The incident caused outrage across India and the world, and it became a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle.
The Jallianwala Bagh site is now a national memorial and is visited by thousands of people every year to pay their respects to the victims of the massacre. The memorial features a large stone monument, a well into which many people jumped to avoid the bullets, and a museum that displays the history of the massacre and the Indian independence movement.
Here is a step-by-step guide for tourists visiting Jallianwala Bagh:
Getting there: Jallianwala Bagh is located in the heart of Amritsar, and it is easily accessible by taxis, auto-rickshaws, or buses.
Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee to visit Jallianwala Bagh.
Opening hours: The memorial is open every day from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
The memorial: The Jallianwala Bagh site consists of a garden, a memorial, and a museum.
The garden: The garden is a peaceful place where you can sit and reflect on the tragic events that took place in 1919. It is a serene spot that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The memorial: The memorial is a large stone structure that commemorates the victims of the massacre. It features an eternal flame, which symbolizes the eternal flame of freedom.
The museum: The museum is located near the entrance of the memorial and contains exhibits and artifacts related to the massacre and the Indian independence movement. It is an excellent place to learn about the history of the event.
Paying respects: Visitors can pay their respects to the victims of the massacre by laying flowers at the memorial or lighting a candle at the eternal flame.
Be respectful: While visiting Jallianwala Bagh, it is important to be respectful and mindful of the tragic events that occurred at the site. Visitors should dress modestly and refrain from taking selfies or engaging in any activity that may be deemed disrespectful.
Other attractions: Jallianwala Bagh is located close to other famous tourist attractions in Amritsar, such as the Golden Temple and Wagah Border, and visitors can plan to visit these places as well
Here are some of the nearby tourist places to Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar:
Golden Temple: The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is located just 1.5 km away from Jallianwala Bagh. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in India and is a holy site for the Sikh community.
Durgiana Temple: The Durgiana Temple is a Hindu temple located just 1.7 km away from Jallianwala Bagh. It is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
Partition Museum: The Partition Museum is located 1.3 km away from Jallianwala Bagh and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The museum displays the personal stories and belongings of those affected by the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
Gobindgarh Fort: The Gobindgarh Fort is located 3.6 km away from Jallianwala Bagh and is a historic fort built during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It has been recently restored and now serves as a museum and cultural center.
Ram Bagh: Ram Bagh is a beautiful garden located 4.6 km away from Jallianwala Bagh. It is also known as the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum as it houses a museum dedicated to the life and times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The garden is known for its lush greenery and well-maintained lawns
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