Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. Here are some key points about Jallianwala Bagh:
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History: Jallianwala Bagh is infamous for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that occurred on April 13, 1919. The massacre was carried out by British troops under the command of Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, who ordered his soldiers to open fire on a crowd of unarmed civilians who had gathered at the garden for a peaceful protest against the oppressive policies of the British government.
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Massacre: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a brutal and indiscriminate attack in which hundreds of men, women, and children were killed and thousands more were injured. The exact number of casualties is disputed, with estimates ranging from around 400 to over 1,000.
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Layout: Jallianwala Bagh is a relatively small garden, covering an area of about 6.5 acres (2.6 hectares). It is surrounded by high walls on all sides, with only one narrow entrance and exit. This layout made it difficult for the protesters to escape when the British troops opened fire.
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Memorial: In the aftermath of the massacre, Jallianwala Bagh was preserved as a memorial to the victims. The garden contains a memorial plaque that commemorates those who lost their lives in the tragedy. There is also a Martyrs' Gallery and a museum that houses artifacts and exhibits related to the massacre.
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Flame of Liberty: In 1999, a memorial called the Flame of Liberty was installed at Jallianwala Bagh to honor the memory of those who were killed in the massacre. The eternal flame serves as a symbol of freedom and remembrance.
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Visitor Attraction: Jallianwala Bagh is now a major tourist attraction in Amritsar, drawing visitors from across India and around the world. Many people visit the garden to pay their respects to the victims of the massacre and to learn about this tragic chapter in India's history.
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Historical Significance: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is considered one of the darkest chapters in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It sparked widespread outrage and condemnation both in India and abroad and played a significant role in galvanizing the Indian independence movement.
Overall, Jallianwala Bagh is a solemn and somber place that serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India's freedom and the importance of remembering and learning from the lessons of history.