Cellular Jail

Although the complex of the Cellular Jail was constructed in the year 1906, the Britishers had been using the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a prison since the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Soon after the mutiny, there was a widespread execution of the rebels, whilst the rebels who survived were banished to the islands. As many as 933 prisoners were sent off to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a punishment for their crimes against the state. Keeping the ever-growing number of inmates in mind, an 'Andamanese Home' was constructed there, which was also a repressive institution disguised as a charitable one. Many prisoners from Burma and those who were related to the Mughal regime were exiled here as well.

During the independence movement of India, thousands of Indians were imprisoned in the Cellular Jail; many of them died due to inhumane conditions, a lot more were hanged, and many passed away due to old age.

The late 19th century saw a surge in the independence movement and a number of prisoners were being exiled to the Andamans. As a result of the same, the need for a high-security prison was felt as most of the prisoners preferred to be exiled to the islands rather than staying over in the Indian jails. This need was fulfilled when the Cellular Jail was constructed here, which was deemed to be "a place of exclusion and isolation within a more broadly constituted remote penal space."

1. There is a hefty charge of INR 200 to carry your camera inside the premises of the museum. Unless you want to photograph the museum interiors, it is advisable to leave your camera back in your vehicle or hotel room.

2. Follow the guide so that you can know the history of the museum in a better way.