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Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which took place on April 13, 1919, is one of the darkest moments in India’s history during British rule. It has become a powerful symbol of India’s fight for independence and the strength of its people. Over time, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre has gone beyond being just a historical event—it represents sacrifice, injustice, and the spirit of resistance, inspiring generations of Indians.

In 1951, the Government of India built a memorial at Jallianwala Bagh to honor the victims, and in 2019, the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum was opened to share the story of the tragedy. These sites serve as important reminders of the cruelty inflicted on innocent civilians and the sacrifices made in the struggle for independence.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Roots

Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 didn’t happen out of nowhere; it was the result of many political events building up over time. By the end of World War I, India had made major contributions to the British war effort, sending soldiers and resources. Many Indians hoped that in return, the British would grant them more self-rule or at least some political freedom. But the British government had other plans, and this caused growing frustration and disappointment among the Indian people.

Indian National Congress, the main political group fighting for India’s independence, believed that the end of the war would lead to more freedom for India. However, instead of granting autonomy, the British government introduced harsh laws, such as the Rowlatt Act (also called the Black Act) in March 1919. This law allowed the British to arrest and imprison anyone they suspected of being involved in political activities against British rule, without a trial. This law took away many basic rights and angered the people of India even more.

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Rowlatt Act 1919

The passing of the Rowlatt Act 1919 was the main reason for the unrest that led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Many people saw the act as a betrayal because it meant the British were tightening their control over India even more. In response, Mahatma Gandhi started a peaceful movement called Satyagraha to protest against the Rowlatt Act. His call for action was supported by many people across the country, including in Punjab, where two important leaders, Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, organized peaceful protests.

               Image: Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew                                    Image: Dr. Satyapal

On April 9, 1919, the British authorities, led by Lieutenant Governor Sir Michael O’Dwyer, arrested Kitchlew and Satyapal. The arrests were seen as unfair and this angered the public even more. The British response was harsh: on April 10, when people peacefully marched to demand the release of their leaders, the police opened fire, killing and injuring many. This violence led to protests and retaliation all over Amritsar, and soon the city was filled with chaos.

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Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Tragedy

On April 13, 1919, a large crowd of thousands gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar to protest against the violence of the previous days and to demand the release of their leaders. It was also Baisakhi, a festival that had traditionally been a time for communal celebration. However, the British authorities, viewing the gathering as a political threat, had already imposed martial law in the region, prohibiting any public assembly. Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, the British officer in charge, saw the gathering as an act of defiance and decided to act decisively.

Dyer, with a contingent of 50 soldiers, marched into Jallianwala Bagh. Without warning, he ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd, which included men, women, and children. The soldiers fired continuously for 10 to 15 minutes, expending 1,650 rounds of ammunition. The crowd, in a desperate attempt to escape, rushed toward the only exit, but Dyer had blocked it, ensuring maximum casualties. The firing ceased only when the troops ran out of ammunition. Official British reports estimated that 291 people were killed, but other reports, including those from an Indian committee headed by Madan Mohan Malviya, put the number of dead at over 500, with thousands more injured.

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Martial Law and National Outrage

After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the British imposed martial law in several parts of Punjab, including Amritsar, Lahore, and Gujranwala. They tried to control the public outrage by taking harsh actions, such as arresting many people and publicly flogging them. News of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre spread quickly across India, causing widespread protests and anger.

Jallianwala Bagh massacre had a big impact, both in India and around the world. Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Prize winner, gave up his knighthood to protest the violence. The event also made more people angry with British rule and increased nationalist feelings. Leaders like Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru pushed harder for independence, understanding that the British repression had only strengthened India’s desire for freedom.

Hunter Commission and British Response

In response to growing pressure, the British government established the Hunter Commission in October 1919 to investigate the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. However, the commission’s inquiry was largely a whitewash, with British officials clearing General Dyer of any wrongdoing. Dyer himself showed no remorse during his testimony, even stating when asked if he had taken any steps to help the wounded, “No, certainly not. It was not my job.” His cold and indifferent attitude only deepened the outrage and resentment among the Indian people.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Legacy

Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a turning point in India’s fight for independence. It motivated many Indians, especially the youth, to take a stronger stand against British rule. The memory of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the violence that followed continued to inspire the independence movement in the 1920s and 1930s.

In 1951, the Government of India built a memorial at Jallianwala Bagh to honor the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Later, in 2019, the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum was opened. These places serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by many Indians in the struggle for freedom. They not only honor those who lost their lives but also inspire future generations to value democracy, justice, and independence.

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Jallianwala Bagh Massacre FAQs

What was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, when British troops, led by General Dyer, fired on an unarmed crowd in Amritsar, killing hundreds of people.

What Led to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was triggered by growing frustration over British repression, including the Rowlatt Act, and the violent response to a peaceful protest in Amritsar on April 13, 1919.

How many people were killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

Official British reports claim 291 people were killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, while Indian sources estimate over 500 deaths, with thousands more injured in the attack on the unarmed crowd.

Who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, the British officer in charge, ordered the troops to fire on the crowd without warning, leading to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

What was the Hunter Commission?

The Hunter Commission was set up by the British to investigate the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. However, its findings were a whitewash, and it exonerated General Dyer for his actions.