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Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Cellular memory: Tales of exiles and prisoners from the Dagshai jail museum
The lights went out and the maximum-security prison was plunged into the clotted darkness of night. Muffled groans and cries seemed to emanate from 54 narrow cells. Built in 1849, the mountaintop Dagshai prison held a range of political activists and freedom fighters in the British colonial era. Indians who fought in the Revolt of 1857 were held here, in particular Gorkha soldiers who took up arms in nearby battlefields in that first war of independence. Irish soldiers of the Connaught Rangers regiment were held here too, after they mutinied against their English officers in 1920. One of the prison's last inmates was Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, Nathuram Godse, who spent a night in a cold, dark cell here, while on his way to stand trial in Shimla. Our burly army guide was a reassuring presence in the dark. His whispered tales were not As the lights flickered on again, we continued our tour of the what is now the Dagshai jail museum in Himachal Pradesh. No one ever escaped its walls, except to the cemetery on its grounds, said our guide (who asked to go unnamed, in keeping with protocol). The cells were designed to be part of the punishment. Tiny and dark, the only source of light was a heavily barricaded window in the central corridor. A gallows house stood nearby, and an area for firing-squad executions. Among those executed here in this manner was the 20-year-old Irish soldier James Daly, part of the 1920 rebellion. The torture chamber still has chains on its walls, like the ones from which prisoners were suspended. Those who continued to rebel were put in a cage, a 3 ft wide cell with iron bars on the front (above), and fed only bread and water. Interestingly, Dagshai has a long history with criminals that far predates the jail. In the Mughal era, lawbreakers were banished to the dense, mountainous forests here as punishment. Before being exiled in this manner, such offenders were branded on the forehead with a 'royal mark' or 'daag-e-shahi', which is how this beautiful Himalayan town got its name. The curator of the prison museum, military historian Anand Sethi, has close ties to Dagshai too. His father, Balkrishan Sethi, was the first Indian appointed Cantonment Executive Officer, in 1941-42. He lived in a cottage right next to the jail and would later tell his son vivid stories about it. Sethi says he wondered, from time to time, what became of the prison after Independence. 'After all, history lies trapped within its walls,' he adds. About 20 years ago, he decided to find out. He moved to this nook of the mountains and found that the jail had been invaded by the forest, and was starting to crumble. Sethi approached then brigade commander (later lieutenant general) P Ananthanarayanan, who greenlit the project to restore the prison. With Sethi overseeing the project, soldiers ushered hordes of monkeys out of the premises, fixed the leaks in the walls, repainted and repaired, but left much of the rest unchanged. It felt fitting, Sethi says, to turn what might seem like a footnote in India's history into a museum with a message: that the painful past must never be allowed to repeat itself.
India.com
10-06-2025
- General
- India.com
7 Baby Names Inspired by Famous Indian Historical Figures
This name is inspired by Emperor Ashoka, known for his transformation from a fierce warrior to a promoter who bought peace. This name is named after Rani Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi, who played a crucial role in the Revolt of 1857. This name is inspired by Subhas Chandra Bose, a brave freedom fighter who believed in armed resistance. This name is named after Swami Vivekananda who is the spiritual leader who introduced Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga This name is named the only female Prime Minister who was known for her strong leadership. This name is named after the missile man of India A.P.J Abdul Kalam. This name is inspired by Sarojini Naidu who was the Nightingale of India and also a renowned poetess. Read Next Story
India.com
07-06-2025
- India.com
Explore The Spooky Side: 5 Haunted Walks In Jaipur You Must Try
Jaipur, with its imperial palaces, crowded bazaars and cosmopolitan festivals, is the 'Pink City' of beauty and grandeur. But lurking within its streets and buildings are ghost stories. These ghost stories, phantom voices and unfathomable happenings lend a strange twist to the city's historical swagger. If you're a sucker for ghost stories, or simply crave an adrenaline-fuelled experience, then maybe Jaipur's haunted tours and paranormal walks are for you 5 eerie places and experiences that are the perfect combination of history, mystery and adrenaline. 1. Bhangarh Fort: The Ghost Town The most famous haunted house in India is the Bhangarh Fort, 85 km away from Jaipur. The 17th-century castle is wrapped in legends of a witch's curse that befell the city. Visitors describe a sense of terror, weird noises after dark, and a chilling stillness. The Archaeological Survey of India even discourages visits after sunset, giving it its own ethereal aura. Guided paranormal tours of Bhangarh involve tale-telling sessions about its doomed history and unexplained events. Quick Facts Bhagwant Das built it in 1573 for his son Madho Singh. Legend: A wizard's lust left the town enchanted. Visited during: Early in the morning or in late afternoon (only in daylight). No entry after sunset for safety reasons. 2. Nahargarh Fort: The Desperate Journey of Sawai Madho Singh Nahargarh Fort is nestled atop the Aravalli Hills, an attraction not only for its breathtaking city views but also for its ghostly experiences. The fort was believed to be haunted by the ghost of its architect, Sawai Madho Singh, who guarded his work. Guests and employees have reported tools mysteriously disappearing and someone hovering over them. Taking a walk in the fort's dark passages is an eerie experience. Quick Facts The building was constructed in 1734 as a retreat palace. Legend: Madho Singh's agitated spirit oversees its maintenance. Admission: 50 for Indian visitors. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a different perspective. 3. Jal Mahal's Haunted Haveli The Jal Mahal district, famous for its majestic palace on Man Sagar Lake, has a darker history too. A nearby ruined haveli (mansion) is said to harbour an angry spirit. Nomads turn a blind eye, particularly at night when it's a source of unresolved screams and moans. Paranormal tours routinely include this haveli on their itinerary and tour guides tell the scariest tales that will have you thinking twice about walking out alone. Quick Facts Jal Mahal dates back to the 18th century. It is difficult to know how the haveli got there, and that adds to the mystery. Location: Near Amber Road. Visible only at night and not at night. 4. Brijraj Bhawan Palace: The British Colonel's Wife Amid Me The Royal Colonel's Ghost Brijraj Bhawan Palace Hotel, used to be a royal residence and now a heritage resort with a creepy touch. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of a British soldier, Major Burton, killed in the Revolt of 1857. Visitors and staff report seeing his ghost in the corridors. Remarkably, his soul is reputed to be strong and gentle but averse to etiquette (guards who doze off while on duty get slapped in the face!). Quick Facts The building was constructed around the turn of the 19th century. Legend: Major Burton's ghost guards the site. It is now a historic hotel. Eerie sightings mostly by staff. 5. Chand Baori: The Stepwell of Shadows. Chand Baori is a haunted architectural creation in Abhaneri village, Jaipur. The symmetrical architecture of the stepwell itself is haunting, but so is its profundity and the sense of unease. The stepwell is believed to have been constructed by spirits after the sun went down, and those who come in after sunset report feeling drawn or hearing voices. Most haunted tours visit Chand Baori for its scare stories and ghoulish atmosphere. Quick Facts It was constructed by King Chanda in the 9th century. Features over 3,500 narrow steps. Visit only during the day when it's safe to do so. Harshat Mata Temple is close by. Final Thoughts Walking around Jaipur's haunted sites and paranormal tours isn't only about scares but also a tour through the city's complex history, where folklore, architecture and culture collide. Believe it or not, these trips promise stories you will never forget once you get back home.
Hans India
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Operation Sindoor 'just an arrow in the quiver': Modi
Karakat (Bihar)/Kanpur: Prime Minister on Friday likened terrorism to a serpent to issue a stern warning 'terror will be dragged out of its hole and trampled if it tries to raise its hood again'. Hours later, he also said Operation Sindoor was "just an arrow in the quiver" of India and was not over yet. Addressing rallies in Bihar's Karakat and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Modi said that India demonstrated the power of its indigenous weapons during Operation Sindoor, which made "Pakistan plead to stop the war". He asserted that the Indian armed forces have reduced to rubble the hideouts of those who had masterminded the Pahalgam attack, sitting in Pakistan. In Karakat, Modi said the enemy must realise that Operation Sindoor was "just an arrow in our quiver. The war on terror is neither over nor has it come to a halt". "If terror tries to raise its hood again, it will be dragged out of its hole and trampled," he added. He also said the "power of sindoor (vermilion) worn by India's daughters was witnessed by Pakistan and the entire world. Terrorists used to feel secure under the protection of the Pakistani army. But we brought them to their knees. We also destroyed Pakistan's airbases and their military establishments. This is new India (Naya Bharat), and its power is there for all to behold". In the course of his speech, he made a mention of BSF sub-inspector Mohammed Imtiaz, a resident of Saran district, who died fighting for the country in Jammu and Kashmir, and likened his sacrifice to the valour of Veer Kunwar Singh, the legendary king of Jagdishpur in Bihar who is considered one of the heroes of the Revolt of 1857. From Bihar, Modi went to Uttar Pradesh, where he addressed a rally in Kanpur after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for some developmental projects and said he was to attend the programme on April 24 but had to cancel it due to the Pahalgam terror attack two days prior. As many as 26 people, including Kanpur businessman Shubham Dwivedi, died in the dastardly attack at the verdant meadows of Baisaran in Pahalgam. In retaliatory action, India struck terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir two weeks later, which triggered a four-day military standoff with the neighbouring country. Modi began his speech by referring to the Pahalgam massacre and said, "Kanpur's son Shubham Dwivedi also became a victim of that barbarity." "We all can feel the pain, suffering and anger of our daughter Aishanya (Shubham's widow). The world witnessed the same anger of our sisters and daughters in the form of Operation Sindoor." "Operation Sindoor is not over yet. It showed the world power of indigenous weapons and Make in India. We destroyed terrorist hideouts in Pakistan by going hundreds of miles inside. Indian weapons, BrahMos missiles entered the enemy territory and wreaked havoc," Modi told the rally. The Prime Minister said the heroics of the Indian armed forces forced the Pakistani Army to "plead to stop the war" and asserted that India would no longer be intimidated by the threat of using nuclear bomb nor would it make a decision on that basis. Saluting the bravery of the armed forces' personnel, the Prime Minister reiterated India's uncompromising stance against terrorism. "The enemy, which was pleading during Operation Sindoor, should not be under any illusion, Operation Sindoor has not ended yet," Modi said and added that Pakistan's ploy of state and non-state actors was not going to work anymore. Laying out India's three principles in the fight against terror, Modi said, "First, India will give a befitting reply to every terrorist attack with the timing, manner, and the condition of the reply to be decided by our armies themselves." "Second, India will no longer be scared of the threat of atom bombs nor would it make a decision on that basis. And third, India will see the masters of terror and the government patronising terror in the same light."
NDTV
30-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Will Be Dragged Out Of Hole, Trampled If...": PM Modi Likens Terror To Snake
Karakat (Bihar): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday likened terror to a serpent, saying "if it raises its hood again, it will be dragged out of its hole and trampled". Addressing a rally in Bihar's Karakat, the prime minister asserted that Operation Sindoor was "just an arrow in the quiver" of India, and made it clear that the fight against terror was "neither over, nor has it come to a halt". PM Modi was addressing a mammoth rally in Karakat, around 140 km from the state capital, after inaugurating development projects worth close to Rs 50,000 crore. Recalling his rally in Madhubani district last month, he said, "I had come to Bihar a day after the dastardly attack in Pahalgam, where many of our sisters had lost their husbands. I had promised that the perpetrators would get a punishment that they could not even dream of. Today, I am back in Bihar, after having delivered on the promise". PM Modi also said, "The power of sindoor (vermilion) worn by India's daughters was witnessed by Pakistan and the entire world. Terrorists used to feel secure under the protection of the Pakistani army. But we brought them to their knees." He asserted that the Indian armed forces have reduced to rubble the hideouts of those who had masterminded the Pahalgam attack, sitting in Pakistan. "We also destroyed Pakistan's airbases and their military establishments. This is new India (Naya Bharat), and its power is there for all to behold," said the prime minister. PM Modi also said the enemy must realise that Operation Sindoor was "just an arrow in our quiver. The war on terror is neither over nor has it come to a halt". "If terror tries to raise its hood again, it will be dragged out of its hole and trampled," he added. The PM's averment assumes significance in the backdrop of criticism from some opposition parties that the government agreed to a "ceasefire" under pressure from the Donald Trump administration in the US. In his speech, PM Modi also made a mention of BSF sub-inspector Mohammed Imtiaz, a resident of Saran district, who died fighting for the country in Jammu and Kashmir, and likened his sacrifice to the valour of Veer Kunwar Singh, the legendary king of Jagdishpur in Bihar who is considered one of the heroes of the Revolt of 1857. Hailing the Border Security Force, the PM remarked, "Service to Ma Bharti has been supreme for BSF jawans". Speaking in a region that was once a hotbed of Maoist movement, the PM said, "Our fight is against all enemies of the nation, be they across the borders or deep within. The people of Bihar have been a witness to our drive against those who spread violence and unrest". "There were times when people were scared of coming out on streets as they never knew when and where they would run into naxals wearing facemasks and toting guns. Naxal-affected villages had no hospitals or mobile towers. "Schools used to be set on fire, and those involved in road construction got murdered. These people had no faith in Baba Saheb Ambedkar's Constitution," said PM Modi. After coming to power in 2014, the NDA government started addressing the malaise and Maoists being taken to task, PM Modi claimed. The number of districts affected by Maoist violence has come down from 125 to only 18, he said. "The government is constructing roads and creating jobs. The day is not far when Maoism will be rooted out and peace, prosperity, security and education will reach every village," he said. PM Modi also spoke about the steps taken by his government for the development of Bihar, where new airports were coming up and existing ones were getting a facelift. Indirectly referring to the RJD, the BJP's principal rival in the state, the PM said, "Those whose rule was responsible for large scale migration, are now faking social justice to grab power." "For decades, people had no access to toilets, nor did they have bank accounts. Crores of people did not have pucca houses. Was this the social justice that the RJD and its ally Congress speak of?" asked PM Modi. He alleged that the Congress and the RJD never cared for the sufferings of the people of Bihar. "They used to arrange tours for foreigners who were interested in seeing the poverty here. Now, when they have lost the trust of Dalits and backward classes because of their own sins, they are trying to play the social justice card," the PM claimed. PM Modi also underscored that Bihar, where assembly polls are due in a few months, "witnessed a new dawn of social justice after the NDA came to power in the state". "We have provided basic necessities to the people. We continue to strive and ensure that benefits reach cent percent of the intended beneficiaries," he added.
