While there are many beaches and mountains in India, there are also some sites that bore witness to the pangs of India’s freedom struggle. They are not only ruins from history, but a living monument amidst some of the busiest cities that have stood the test of time.
Here are few such historic places that played a part in India’s freedom struggle
Red Fort, Delhi
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A symbol of power since the Mughal rule, the fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan. The Red Fort gets its name from the red sandstone that was used in its construction. After independence, India’s first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag and delivered his Independence Day speech from this very fort. In keeping with tradition, successive prime ministers address the nation at the Red Fort each year on Independence Day.
Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
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In 1915, when Gandhi returned from South Africa, he settled in Gujarat and established an ashram on the banks of Sabarmati, from where he led the national struggle. Many of his memories are held intact here, and the ashram is maintained as a museum dedicated to one of the greatest leaders the world has seen.
Cellular Jail, Andamans
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After the first battle for independence in 1857, British established Cellular Jail in Andamand Islands to send the most hardened freedom fighters. It was known as the Kala Pani ki sazaa, and the black waters were emblematic of the dark times hovering over the country. Built in 1906, the Cellular Jail is a three-floor prison with seven wings which house over 696 cells, one for each prisoner. Over time the Cellular Jail was damaged and only three out of the seven wings still remain intact.
Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, Allahabad
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Known as Alfred Park or Company Garden during the British rule, it was a place where the British held official ceremonies and musical performances by the police band. It is a witness to one of the bravest stories of martyrdom. Chandra Shekhar Azad had taken a pledge never to be caught by the British and when he was cornered by the British, in this very park, he decided to use his last bullet to become a martyr.
Jhansi Fort, Jhansi
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Popularly known as ‘Rani Jhansi ka Quila’, this fort is over four centuries old. It is an icon symbolising India’s First War of Independence in 1857, with Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi, as one of its legendary figures. Overlooking the city of Jhansi, the fort is strategically located on Bangara Hill. The spectacular fort, with its 10 gates, is spread over 20 hectares. It withstood heavy bombardment by the British forces for 17 days before it fell. Lakshmi Bai escaped and led her forces to capture the fort in Gwalior
Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
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Jallianwala Bagh still carries the scars from one of the bloodiest massacres in Indian history. On the fateful day of 13th April, 1919 when the whole of Punjab was celebrating Baisakhi, thousands gathered at Jallianwala Bagh. General Dyer ordered British Indian soldiers to fire over 1,600 rounds of bullets at the unarmed and enclosed masses, with women and children. The event recorded more than 1,500 deaths. It showcased the ruthlessness of the British rule. It was also this event which inspired Bhagat Singh to take up the cause of national liberation. It is said he carried the bloodied mud from Jallianwala Bagh with him to remind him of the atrocities of British rule.
Agha Khan Palace, Pune
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Built by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III in 1892, the Aga Khan Palace also holds a significant place in the Indian independence movement. Many prominent freedom fighters were placed under arrest here. During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his personal secretary Mahadev Desai were confined to the palace. The palace has a picture gallery and museum with significant pictures of the freedom struggle as well as a few personal items used by Gandhi while he stayed here.
These sites fill us with pride of our historical traditions, and the heritage that came to us with the freedom struggle.
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