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The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Remembering India's Darkest Hour Under British Rule

Remembering the The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre.The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre remains a dark chapter in India’s history, and its impact can still be felt today.

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By Prerit Chauhan
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The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Remembering India's Darkest Hour Under British Rule
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The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, was a tragic incident that took place on April 13, 1919, in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab, India. The massacre was a result of the British colonial government's brutal repression of peaceful protesters who were demanding independence from British rule.

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General Dyer Order

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General Dyer, the British officer in charge of the area, issued orders to his troops to shoot at the protesters without warning. He later defended his actions by stating that he wanted to teach the Indians a lesson and that he would have used even more force if he had more troops at his disposal. The firing began at the most densely crowded spot, causing the maximum damage to the innocent civilians gathered there.

Massacre 

Around 25,000 people had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden, to participate in a peaceful protest against the Rowlatt Act, a controversial law that restricted civil liberties in India. Some tried to escape the indiscriminate firing, while others sought refuge in the solitude well located within the park's premises. The brutal massacre left around 400 people dead and over 1,000 injured.

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The massacre caused outrage and disbelief throughout India and the world, with many calling for the British government to take responsibility for the heinous act. The tragedy was later avenged by Sardar Udham Singh, a member of the Ghadar Party and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), who assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the British officer serving as Governor General of Punjab, in 1940 in London. Singh's act of revenge brought him widespread notoriety and was carried out in retaliation for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Memorial

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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 park to pay their respects to the victims.


The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre remains a dark chapter in India’s history, and its impact can still be felt today. The tragedy served as a catalyst for India’s freedom struggle and inspired many Indians to fight for their independence. The incident also highlighted the brutality of colonial rule and the need for human rights and democracy in India. The massacre is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India's independence and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

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