It was completed in 1905-06 using prisoners only as construction labour.Ĭellular Jail is a massive three-storeyed structure with seven wings of unequal lengths, radiating from a central watch tower, shaped like spokes of a wheel. The construction of Cellular Jail building started in 1893 by the settlement order No.423 dated 13th September 1893. Lethbridge visited Port Blair in 1890 and recommended the construction of penal facility near Port Blair. A two-member committee headed by Sir Charles J. A high security jail that could hold a large number in solitary confinement became necessary.

The prisoners were initially kept in the open enclosures.Īs the time passed and the settlement grew in size, the authorities found it difficult to enforce strict discipline. Soon, freedom fighters taking part in various movements including Wahabi Movement, Manipuri Revolt, and a large number of Burmese from Tharawadda against British rule were also deported to the penal punishment in the Andaman. Though the First War of Independence was quelled, the flame for achieving freedom could not be suppressed. The first batch of 200 convicts arrived on the island on 10th March 1858 under the overall charge of Dr. A Committee of experts visited the islands for a survey in December 1857 and submitted a report to the Government in January1858. The idea of establishing a permanent penal settlement in these islands was germinated in the minds of the British Rulers in 1857 to curb India’s First War of Independence. Few years later, British established naval base and a penal settlement on Chatham Island which was later shifted Viper Island.

Inhabited since 2000 years, the islands were occupied by Europeans in the middle of 18 th century. Cellular Jail is situated on South Andaman Island, one of 572 islands forming Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India.

Prison architect solitary cell layout