Cellular Jail located at Aberdeen near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands speaks of the fact that freedom comes at a price and utmost sacrifice. The prison also known as Kala Paani (Black Water) was built by the British in 1906 during their reign in India to imprison political prisoners of India. Today, it is a national heritage site dedicated to the brave freedom fighters of India.
The construction of this building started in 1896 and it took 14 years to complete this solitary confinement. However, the island itself had been used by the British post 1857 war independence. Many rebellions were executed and tortured who revolted against the English. The remote location of the island was just perfect to punish the rebels. The late 19th century saw a considerable momentum of the independence movement. So, the British Government felt the need of a better prison facility and the incarceration of prisoners accrued in number.
The original Cellular building was made of puce-coloured bricks exported from Burma. It contained seven regions with the centre acting as the tower for the guards to keep an eye on the prisoners. It was a four storied building with 693 cells. Each cell was so cleverly designed so that there was no chance of commutation between prisoners. The name “Cellular” was derived from this fact that it was a total solitary confinement. You can also see the execution room where the freedom fighters were mercilessly hanged till death.
The Cellular Jail is open for visitors from Tuesday-Sunday and remains closed on Monday and on National holidays. Visit timings are from 9 am-12:30 pm and from 1:30-5 pm. You can also witness the light and sound show reminding of the historical background of the place at 6 pm in Hindi and 7:15 pm in English.
Entry fee of Rs. 10 is charged. But taking camera taking camera inside the premises takes extra charges (Rs. 30 for camera and Rs. 100 for video). If you wish to see the light and sound show then Rs. 20 and Rs. 10 is charged for adults and children respectively.
Anthropological Museum, Andaman
Cellular Jail
The Anthropological Museum located in the town of Port Blair, Andaman is one of the top tourist spot in the town. It was built in 1975 and is maintained by the Anthropological Survey of India. The museum showcases the life and culture of tribal people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands especially Negroid and Mongloid tribes. The museum is one of the most visited museums in entire Union Territory.
Attractions in the Museum
The Museum is renowned for its spectacular display of various articles, handicrafts, tools, arts and crafts related to the tribal people who were the inhabitants of the island many years ago. There are also photo galleries depicting the culture and lifestyle of different tribes both existing and extinct. There is also a library which has a huge collection of books authored by many writers which tell of the rich cultural heritage of tribal people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The museum prominently displays the life and culture of four Negroid tribes Onges, Sentinelese, Jarawas and Andamanas and also two Mongloid tribes Shompens and Nicobarese. You can see various arts and crafts, clothes, utensils and equipments in the form of clay models used by these tribes.
On rare occasions, you can also enjoy video documentaries showing the various customs and traditions of the tribal people.
Visit timings
The museum can be visited round the year. Museum remains open to visitors from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 4 pm except on Monday which is a weekly holiday.
The Anthropological Museum is really a delightful tourist spot especially for those who love history and its preservation.
