The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar Massacre, occurred on April 13, 1919, in the city of Amritsar, in the northern Indian state of Punjab. British Indian Army soldiers, under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer, fired into a crowd of unarmed civilians who had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden, to protest against the arrest and deportation of two national leaders.
The exact number of casualties remains unknown, but it is estimated that between 379 and 1,000 people were killed, and over 1,200 were injured. The majority of the victims were Punjabis, but many were also from other parts of India and even some foreigners.
The massacre led to widespread outrage across India and was a turning point in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It also drew international attention to the British government’s oppressive policies in India.
The British government set up a committee to investigate the incident, which ultimately exonerated Dyer of any wrongdoing, though he was criticized by some members of the British parliament. The massacre was widely condemned in India and abroad, and is still remembered as a symbol of British colonial oppression.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre sparked widespread outrage and condemnation in India and around the world. In India, the incident sparked a wave of protests and demonstrations against the British Raj. The Indian National Congress, the dominant political party at the time, condemned the massacre and called for a nationwide strike to protest British colonial rule. The incident led to the resignation of Sir Michael O’Dwyer, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, who had supported General Dyer’s actions.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre also attracted international attention and condemnation. The incident was reported in newspapers and magazines around the world, causing widespread public outcry and calls for action from the British government. Several British officials, including Winston Churchill, who was then Secretary of State for War, condemned the massacre and called for an independent inquiry into the incident.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre had a significant impact on the Indian independence movement. This fueled anti-British sentiment and strengthened the resolve of Indian nationalists to fight for their independence. The event also led to a change in strategy for the Indian independence movement, with leaders including Mahatma Gandhi advocating nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is considered a turning point in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It inspired public opinion against the British Raj and strengthened the resolve of the Indian independence movement. The event also led to the formation of the Non-Cooperation Movement, a peaceful resistance campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi that aimed to boycott British goods and institutions.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a significant event in Indian history and is remembered as a symbol of British colonial brutality and oppression. Every year on 13th April, people in India pay homage to the victims of the genocide and honor the sacrifices of those who fought for India’s independence.
Overall, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a tragic event that had a profound impact on Indian history and the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It is remembered as a symbol of the brutality of colonialism and the sacrifices of those who fought for India’s independence.