As India celebrates her 69th Independence Day, Express TravelWorld rediscovers these iconic freedom monuments that were witness to India’s struggle for Freedom and spoke to travel agents to find out how these can be promoted to attract the new age traveller wanting to connect with his historical roots
North India
With landmarks like the Red Fort in Delhi and Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar marking historic movements in India’s freedom, the northern region of the country has many famous as well as little known sites that can be promoted as freedom trails. Express TravelWorld got some interesting insights from travel agents across the country to understand the tourist footfall at these places. Anurag Agarwal, director of Delhi-based SA Southend Travels, states, “Not many customers prefer to visit these places associated with our freedom struggle. Since Delhi is a major region with great historical significance people wish to explore more. We as agents accommodate it in special tours like cultural and food so people get a chance to see these locations. But, I feel if we make these trips more interesting and knowledgeable by adding a few interactive sessions or audio guides on history, it would make a huge difference to the tourist footfall.”
Talking about the interest of foreign tourists about historical monuments Lally Mathews, director, Vacations Travels and Tours, mentions, “If we look at North India then we have major places like Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar and Red Fort in Delhi. When we plan itineraries for these areas we include these major hotspots that define India’s heritage. But domestic footfall is more than foreign tourists. This is mainly because foreign travellers see various factors like cleanliness and audio guides in their languages. The government lacks in spreading awareness about historical places and maintaining cleanliness standards for international tourists.” Some of the major places in the northern region are:
Lucknow and Meerut
The beginnings of freedom struggle started in the erstwhile region of Awadh. Famously known as The Indian Rebellion of 1857, it refers to the rebellion that broke out against the rule of British East Indian company. Our history books define it as the Revolt of 1857 or First War of Indian Independence. A mutiny broke out between the sepoys of East India company’s army in Meerut and soon the revolt spread like wildfire to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and central India. It posed a significant threat to the company who could see their rule weaken in the army. Leaders like Mangal Pandey and Rani Lakshmi Bai are legendary for their brave fight against the British Raj. The Martyrs’ Memorial in Awadh commemorates the memory of the brave Indian soldiers who gave up their life fighting against their British masters.
In Lucknow, the ruins of The Residency mark the struggle of Indians to fight British dominion. The complex houses a museum consisting of lithographs, photographs and paintings that are reminders of the fierce battle. About 80 km from Lucknow is Kanpur which became the headquarters of struggle led by Nana Sahib. The Nana Rao Park and Sati Chaura Ghat-Massacre Ghat, Kanpur Memorial Church and Christ Church are reminders of 1857.
Delhi
The many historic landmarks of Delhi have witnessed milestones in India’s freedom movement. The Red Fort in Delhi acquired a significant position when India’s first prime minister hoisted the
national flag at the entrance and delivered his Independence Day speech. The lane leading from the Red Fort to Jama Masjid is a remembrance of the time the country celebrated its Independence. Delhi’s freedom trail also extends to Gandhi Smriti, a Gandhi memorial built in a home where he used to stay when he visited the city. In the museum you can find photographs, sculptures, frescos and other remains of his past.
Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh Martyr’s Memorial
The bullet holes at the Jallianwala Bagh Martyr’s Memorial in Amritsar revive the horrific accident that shattered the country. Under the command of General Dyer, the British army fired over 1600 rounds of bullets at the large group of men, women and children gathered there for the Baisakhi festival. The memorial was inaugurated by India’ first president, Dr Rajendra Prasad.
Places to see
- Martyr’s Memorial, Meerut
- Lucknow Residency Museum, Lucknow
- Kanpur Memorial Church, Kanpur
- Christ Church, Kanpur
- Nana Rao Park, Kanpur
- Red Fort, New Delhi
- Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, Amritsar
South India
There are not many landmarks related to the freedom movement in south of India. However, the Cellular Jail in Andaman & Nicobar Islands stands out as an exception. Trichy – based tour operator, Pandin K, director, South Tourism, explains, “Not many domestic tourists come to us with queries about these historical places. They are more interested in the new experiential destinations where they can indulge in various activities. Only 15- 20 per cent of people would travel to these places. But some NRIs whose earlier generations have lived in India and wish to explore the historic connect that India offers, sometimes request for such itineraries.”
Ranga Reddy, managing partner, Geruda Tourism, mentions, “There are not many places in the south that can be added to the freedom trail. Apart from Madurai, there are hardly any spots known for their historical connect. We do not see many tourists planning their itineraries along these places. The third generation of travellers are not interested in the past but prefer experiential travel. They wish to see the beaches and connect with nature. But I am sure better awareness on the government’s part would once again bring back tourists to historical monuments.”
Karnataka
In the late 18th century, Mysore or Mahishuru, was under the power of Tipu Sultan who was known as the Tiger of Mysore. A series of wars were fought here. The third war saw the defeat of Tipu Sultan where he surrendered half of his kingdom to the British East India company. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Bengaluru is a must visit place. The palace is known for its teak pillars and ornamental frescoes. The 17th century Venkataraman Temple nearby and the massive Jamia Masjid make it a site worth a visit. Daria Daulat Bagh in Srirangapatna of district of Mandiya houses a museum. There are exhibits like oil paintings, pencil sketches, aquatints and engravings, coins and medals, costumes, furniture, arms, etc, mostly related to Tipu Sultan.
Cellular Jail
The Cellular Jail in Port Blair completed in the year 1906 acquired the name ‘cellular’ because it was entirely made up of individual cells for solitary confinement. It came to be known as ‘Kala Paani’ that housed freedom fighters after the Revolt of 1857. The jail had seven wings, each having cells for solitary confinement of prisoners. To rebel against the hardships by the jail authorities, the prisoners went on a hunger strike. Three prisoners died during the strike after which the authorities stopped issuing drinking water. The freedom fighters did not budge and their demands had to be met after a gruesome 46 days.
The place has now been declared as a National Memorial and has become a place for pilgrimage for all freedom loving people. The memorial houses freedom fighters’ photographs and an exhibition gallery on the ground floor. The Netaji art gallery and a library on the freedom movement remind people of India’s rich history. Apart from the gallery on First War of Independence, a Freedom – Swatantrya Jyot has been erected in the vicinity of the Cellular Jail in memory of all freedom fighters and martyrs. A visit to the jail memorial is a thrilling reminder of the hard days of India’s freedom movement.
Madurai
Madurai became an important landmark because it was visited by Mahatma Gandhi almost five times. On his second visit in 1921, he was deeply moved by the condition of poor farmers. In 1934, he refused to enter the Meenakshi temple because his escort was not allowed. The latter was a Harijan who were not allowed to enter temples at that time. This initiated a movement across the country for entry of untouchables in the temples. The temple also has a mural of Mahatma Gandhi which was made during the renovations. The Gandhi Memorial Museum is located in Tamukkum Summer Palace of Nayaka queen Rani Mangammal and houses 14 original artifacts used by the Mahatma.
Places to see
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Bengaluru
- Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai
East India
Kolkata was the capital of British India before it was shifted to Delhi in 1911. Some great monuments built during that time and war memorials attracts local visitors even today. Debjit Dutta, CEO, Impression Tourism Services, points out that Kolkata has many places with great historical significance. “But there is not much demand in the market for tours that include these monuments and memorials. People just go for general sightseeing. So these places see more domestic tourists than international ones. However, we can create special interest products to attract an audience by adding interactive tours and interesting story walks. But since there is no demand in the market, we as agents don’t focus in that area,” he adds. According to Vikas Sarawgi of Kolkata based NCS Holidays the places that attract majority of tourists are Victoria Memorial (1921), Tagore House (18th century), Howrah Bridge, Marble Palace (1835) , Indian Museum (1814) and Shaheed Minar (1828). “Victoria Memorial has the highest footfall going up to 50,000 a day on Christmas and New Year. So for the domestic tourists we always include it in their itineraries.”
West Bengal
This region played a crucial role in India’s struggle for Independence as it was a hotbed of resistance to foreign rule. The Battle of Plassey took place in the capital province of Bengal which included states like West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Bangladesh and Tripura. When the last free ruler of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah attacked Fort William in Kolkata, the British sent reinforcements headed by Colonel Robert Clive and Admiral Charles Watson to fight back. The end of the battle was the end of the ruler as he fled to Awadh while the Britishers took over the region. A small memorial on the banks of river Bhagirathi is a reminder of the Plassey battle.
Murshidabad was another important region before the emergence of Kolkata. The Hazarduaari Palace built in the 1837 has been transformed into a museum. Also known as the palace with a thousand doors it was built for Nawab Najim Humaun Jah by British Duncan McLeod. There are various historical artifacts on display including armoury, paintings, portraits of the Nawabs, works of ivory (Murshidabad school) and of China, swords used by Siraj-ud-Daulah and his grandfather, Nawab Ali Vardi Khan. There is also the Khushbagh Cemetery where rest the remains of Siraj-ud-Daulah and Nawab Ali Vardi Khan.
Barrackpore was the very first site of military barrack set up in 1772. The initial Revolt of the 1857 started here as the two rebellions took place led by Sepoy Binda Tiwary of the 47th Bengal Native Infantry. Now the place has been transformed into a garden in the memory of Mangal Pandey who led revolts against the British army. The Smarak Sanghralaya has many memoirs of Mahatma Gandhi’s work. The district was also home to Surendranath Banerjea, who together with Anand Mohan Bose organised the National Congress in 1883 which led to the birth of Indian National Congress. The Khadi Pratishthan in Sodepur was set up by an employee of Bengal Chemical, Satish Chandra Dasgupta. He was influenced by the work of Mahatma Gandhi and quit his day job to create cottage industry products.
The biggest stalwart from Bengal was Subhash Chandra Bose who was famously known as Netaji. He raised the Azad Hind Fauj or the Indian National Army and had a plan to gain India’ Independence. He was sent to the Alipore Jail and exiled to Burma. He was later released because of a hunger strike. His residence in Kolkata has been transformed into a museum consisting of archives and a library of Netaji Research Bureau.
The freedom trail in Kolkata leads you to the Victoria Memorial and the Shaheed Minar. The memorial surrounded by 64 acres of well manicured lawns was dedicated to Queen Victoria. The museum now houses memorabilia from India’s Independence movement. The Shahid Minar is a memorial for martyrs, built in 1828. The 218 steps of the tower lead you to the top which provides a bird’s eyeview of the city.
Places to see
- Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
- Shaheed Minar, Kolkata
- Fort William, Kolkata
- Hazarduari Palace Museum, Murshidabad
- Victory Pillar, Barrackpore
- Smarak Sanghralaya Museum, Barrackpore
West India
The western region of India has been closely associated with the freedom struggle of the country, leaving behind a grandeur of heritage and history holding deep significance. In order to utilise this heritage as a tourism offering, some travel agencies and non – profit organisations conduct special tours. However, a large segment of this offering still remain untapped by the tourism industry. Sujit Banerjee, former secretary, ministry of tourism, Government of India, opines, “Freedom trails could be a good idea to start a new tourism product. There are certain spots that are promoted because they have been maintained well, and have been preserved because of certain episodes related to the Independence struggle.”
Apart from reknowned personalities associated with the Indian freedom struggle, Maharashtra Ex-servicemen Corporation (MESCO) recently initiated ‘Veer Yatra Military Tourism’, which not only sheds light on the history, but also imparts awareness about the defence forces through various tour packages in Maharashtra. “Military tourism is a well-established concept worldwide but it has not been explored in a structured way in India so far. A military association is looked up to very proudly by every Indian and a thought of being part of the military establishment comes in the mind of every individual at some point in their life. As ex – servicemen, we strongly feel the need to promote military tourism with a view to inculcate sense of patriotism among the children and youth of the country,” says Colonel (retired) Suhas S Jatkar, managing director, MESCO, adding that the Indian tourism industry has emerged as one of the key drivers of growth. “With India’s large military, long borders, huge spread in strategic and often picturesque sites in the country, it’s time for military tourism. The idea is to cater to the entire spectrum of tourists, be it school children, youth, executives or even the corporates,” he states.
Maharashtra
Located on the Laburnum Road in Gamdevi in Mumbai, Mani Bhavan served as an important place where Mahatma Gandhi carried out his activities for India’s Independence, while he was in Mumbai (then Bombay). Mani Bhavan belonged to Shri Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri who was an ardent devotee of Gandhi and his host during that period. Mani Bhavan was the epicentre of India’s freedom struggle, especially between 1917 to 1934. The first phase of non-violent freedom struggle was launched here. This heritage building is now a tourist attraction, drawing a number of visitors from India and abroad. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya is open througout the week between 9.30 am to 6.00 pm. It houses a museum and a library that has a collection of about 40,000 books, an auditorium, the room where Gandhi lived and worked, and an exhibition depicting his life.
A walk around Mumbai gives a glimpse of the past. One can start from the Gateway of India, the Indo-Saracenic archway built to commemorate King George V’s visit to India. Another important event that adds to the historical significance of the place is that the last British platoon left from here, marking an end to the 282 years of British rule in the country. The Azad Maidan where people gather to play cricket today was where Gandhi addressed the largest gathering of people.
The Aga Khan Palace in Pune, built by Imam Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III in 1892 is where many prominent freedom fighters were placed under arrest. Mahatma Gandhi, along with his wife Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai stayed in the palace during the Quit India Movement in 1942. The palace has been transformed into a museum with some pictures of the freedom struggle.
Located at a distance of two km from the shores of Alibag, the Kolaba Fort is surrounded by sea and has two chief entrances. In 1662, Shivaji Maharaj toughened and fortified Kolaba fort and made the fort one of his main naval centres. The charge of the fortress was given to Darya Sagar and Manik Bhandari under whom Kolaba fortification became the heart of Maratha assaults on British ships.
Gujarat
On October 2, 1869, Mahatma Gandhi was born in a three-storey building in Porbandar. Now called Kirti Mandir, the building has been converted into a small museum, with an exhibit of old photographs, some of his possessions and a library of books.
Situated 34 km from Surat, Bardoli town saw the birth of the ‘No-tax movement’ led by Sardar Patel, in protest of the British rule. It was a precursor to the Namak Satyagraha. The Swaraj Ashram, garden, museum, and khadi workshops, are worth a visit, as well as the Aitihasik Ambo, a mango tree under which Gandhi declared that he would settle for nothing less than independent home – rule for India. For many years Ahmedabad was the centre of Mahatma Gandhi’s non – violent struggle. One can get a sense of his life, the history of the movement at the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, a small museum that includes pictorial and written documentation, a library of Gandhian literature and paintings, and an archive of letters written by him.
Goa
The Reis Magos Fort was initially used to house viceroys and other dignitaries who were arriving from or departing to Portugal. With the threat of invasion from neighbouring Indian states, the fort became a military stronghold. It is said that the British occupied the fort from 1798 for the duration of the Napoleonic wars. The fort is now a cultural centre and a prominent tourist attraction.
Places to see
- Mani Bhavan, Mumbai
- Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
- Watson Museum, Rajkot
- Kaba Gandhi no Delo, Rajkot
- Kolaba Fort, Raigad, Maharashtra