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Introduction: Jallianwalabagh Massacre
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre is one of the most infamous events in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab.
British Indian Army troops, under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer, opened fire on a peaceful gathering of thousands of unarmed men, women, and children who had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden, to participate in the Baisakhi festival and to protest against the arrest and deportation of two national leaders, Satyapal and Saifuddin Kitchlew.
The firing continued for about ten to fifteen minutes, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. The incident shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation both in India and around the world.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre became a turning point in India’s struggle for independence, galvanizing public opinion against British rule and fueling the demand for freedom. It remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India’s independence and the brutality of colonial rule.
Jallianwalabagh Massacre
- The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, which occurred on April 13, 1919, was a tragic event in Indian history under British colonial rule.
- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is also known as the Amritsar massacre.
- A large peaceful crowd had gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab to protest against the arrest of two Congress leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satya Pal.
- On 13th April, 1919, General Dyer (acting military commander for Amritsar) ordered his troops to fire on a peaceful unarmed crowd without warning, assembled at Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the arrest of Dr Satyapal and Dr Kitchlew.
- According to official figure, 379 persons were killed.
- Martial law was imposed upon Amritsar and other areas on the night of 13th April.
- In protest of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, Rabindranath Tagore renounced the Knighthood conferred on him by the British Government.
- Sir C. Sankaran Nair resigned from the Viceroy’s Executive Council after the massacre.
- On 14 October 1919, after orders issued by the Secretary of State for India, Edwin Montagu, the Government of India appointed Disorders Inquiry Committee, it was later known as the Hunter Commission.
Shaheed Udham Singh
- Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary who belonged to the Ghadar Party.
- He is best known for assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of the Punjab, who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
- He is referred to as Shaheed-i-Azam (means “the great martyr“).