Summary
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day 2023 marks 104 years since the tragic incident that is seen as a turning point in Indian History
It was this that led to Gandhi's full commitment to the cause of Indian nationalism and independence from Britain
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day, observed every year on 13 April, is observed as a reminder of one of the darkest days in the struggle for Indian Independence. On this day, people recall and pay tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives in Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar in 1919. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day 2023 marks 104 years since the tragic incident that is seen as a turning point in Indian History. It was this that led to Gandhi's full commitment to the cause of Indian nationalism and independence from Britain.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The British military officer, General Dyer, on April 13, 1919 entered the Jallianwala Bagh (Amritsar) with his troops, where people had gathered to peacefully protest against the arrest of the two nationalist leaders, Satya Pal and Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew. Without so much as a warning to the people to disperse, he ordered his troops to fire at the unarmed crowd. The onslaught lasted ten minutes till their ammunition was exhausted, after which the British soldiers left.
A total of 1,650 rounds were fired, and more than 500 people were killed and murdered. It is believed that more than 1500 people were also left injured.
Significance of the Amritsar Massacre
Significant protests took place throughout the country in opposition to the British government. Some notable impacts and aftermath of the massacre were:
- Rabindranath Tagore, greatly disturbed by the incident, and in an act of protest against the British, renounced all titles awarded to him, including his knighthood.
- On 13 March 1940, freedom fighter Udham Singh, who was present in the Bagh during the massacre and was injured as well, assassinated Michael O'Dwyer at the Caxton Hall in London.
- The Indian government established the Hunter commission to investigate the incidents and disturbances caused in Punjab due to and soon after the massacre.
- A museum was built in March 2019, known as Yaad-e-Jallian Museum, to put forth an authentic account of the massacre.
Last updated on 13 Apr 2023
