The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, is one of the most infamous events in Indian history. On April 13, 1919, a crowd of nonviolent protesters and Baisakhi pilgrims gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab, to protest against the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of pro-Indian independence activists Saifuddin Kitchlew and Satyapal. Without warning, British Indian Army Brigadier General R.E.H. Dyer ordered his troops to fire on the crowd, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.
Background
The Rowlatt Act, passed in March 1919, allowed British authorities to arrest and imprison individuals without trial, sparking widespread protests across India. The situation in Punjab was particularly volatile, with disruptions to rail, telegraph, and communication systems. The British Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, Michael O’Dwyer, believed a coordinated revolt was planned, and the administration was on high alert.
The Massacre
On the afternoon of April 13, 1919, Dyer and his troops arrived at Jallianwala Bagh, where thousands of people had gathered. Without warning, Dyer ordered his troops to block the exits and begin firing at the crowd. The troops continued firing for approximately 10 minutes, killing and injuring hundreds. The exact number of casualties is disputed, with estimates ranging from 379 to over 1,500 deaths and 1,200 to 1,500 injuries.
Aftermath
The massacre was widely condemned, both in India and internationally. Winston Churchill, then Secretary of State for War, described it as “unutterably monstrous”. The British government launched an inquiry, which criticized Dyer’s actions. However, many Britons saw Dyer as a hero, and he received widespread support in Britain.
Impact on Indian Independence Movement
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre marked a turning point in the Indian independence movement. It galvanized opposition to British rule and led to widespread protests and demonstrations. Mahatma Gandhi, who had previously advocated for nonviolent resistance, became increasingly radicalized. The massacre also sparked a wave of nationalism and anti-British sentiment across India.
Key Figures
– R.E.H. Dyer: British Indian Army Brigadier General responsible for the massacre
Michael O’Dwyer: British Lieutenant Governor of Punjab who believed a coordinated revolt was planned
Saifuddin Kitchlew and Satyapal: Pro-Indian independence activists whose arrest sparked the protests
Rabindranath Tagore: Indian poet and philosopher who renounced his British knighthood in protest against the massacre
Paying Tributes
Let us pay our respects to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and acknowledge the sacrifices made by Indian freedom fighters. Their bravery and resilience continue to inspire and educate people about the importance of freedom and human dignity.
Today, Jallianwala Bagh is a memorial to the victims of the massacre, serving as a reminder of the brutality and oppression of British colonial rule. As we reflect on this dark chapter in Indian history, we honor the legacy of those who fought for India’s independence and recognize the importance of protecting human rights and civil liberties.¹
