Field Trip to Alipore Jail Museum
On March 13, 2025, the Department of Political Science, Loreto College, Kolkata, organized a field trip to the Alipore Jail Museum for the Semester VI students. The primary objective of this visit was to analyze the historical and political significance of the site, particularly in the context of the Indian freedom struggle.
A total of 25 students actively participated in the trip, engaging in participant observation. The class was divided into eight groups, with each group assigned to study a specific section of the museum in detail. To ensure a comprehensive analysis, two groups were designated for each area: Groups 1 and 2 examined the Watchtower; Groups 3 and 4 explored the Netaji Exhibition Room; Groups 5 and 6 analyzed the Cells and Gallows; and Groups 7 and 8 studied the Police Museum.
The Alipore Central Correctional Home, a relic of India's colonial past, functioned as a prison until 2019. It has since been transformed into a museum to educate the public about the courage and sacrifices of the nation’s freedom fighters. Some of the most notable inmates imprisoned at Alipore Jail included Jawaharlal Nehru, Dinesh Gupta, Chittaranjan Das, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. The museum serves as a solemn reminder of the unwavering determination of these individuals in the face of severe repression and stringent surveillance. In 2019, the remaining inmates were relocated to Baruipur, on the outskirts of Kolkata, marking the end of its function as a correctional facility. Once a silent witness to the brutalities inflicted upon India's revolutionaries, the Alipore Jail has now been repurposed as a memorial and museum to honour their sacrifices.
One of Kolkata’s most significant historical landmarks, the Alipore Central Correctional Home was constructed in 1906 and spans 15.2 acres, characterized by its distinctive red brick walls. The museum has been meticulously preserved to maintain its original architectural layout and structures, offering visitors an authentic historical experience. Its primary objective is to document and showcase the history of India's freedom struggle during the colonial period. The museum includes various sections such as the gallows, watchtowers, a police museum, the structural framework of the cellular jail, and detention cells. These exhibits provide visitors with profound insights into the harsh realities of prison life, the daily routines of inmates, and the severe hardships they endured.
Among the key features of the museum, the Watchtower stands as a powerful symbol of surveillance and control. This 12-meter-tall structure, located in the central compound, allowed prison sentinels to monitor the movements of inmates housed in the surrounding cells and wards, exemplifying the principles of the panopticon. The Cells and Gallows provide a haunting glimpse into the inhumane conditions endured by prisoners, including brutal interrogations, solitary confinement, and extreme punishment. The Netaji Exhibition Room is dedicated to the life and legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, featuring letters, photographs, documents, and personal belongings that offer insights into his leadership and vision for an independent India. The Police Museum examines the colonial law enforcement system and its role in suppressing revolutionary movements.
The museum also houses an extensive collection of paintings, photographs, historical maps of India, installations, and statues of freedom fighters. Additionally, it preserves letters, documents, and artifacts associated with the Indian independence movement. The visit evoked strong emotions among the students, including grief, admiration, gratitude, and a deep sense of patriotism. This immersive experience allowed students to critically reflect on the struggles of the past. As students of Political Science, the visit reinforced the importance of ethical governance and accountability within any system of surveillance.
The field trip to the Alipore Jail Museum was an enriching academic experience, fostering a deeper understanding of India's political history and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of independence.
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