History Alipore Jail

The Alipore Jail or Alipore Central Jail, is a prison in Alipore, Kolkata, where political prisoners were kept under British rule. It also housed the Alipore Jail Press. It is no longer in operation as a jail, having been shut down on February 20, 2019. The jail site is being developed as an Independence museum in the name of the martyrs who were imprisoned and executed there. The jail site is being developed as an Independence museum in the name of the martyrs who were imprisoned and executed there.

The Alipore Museum


The    Alipore Central Correctional Home is a national historic landmark located in the heart of Kolkata. This 116 year old building, along with the Presidency Jail, is on the Grade I list of heritage sites of Kolkata. Constructed in 1906, and spread over 15.2 acres, this colonial era institution abuts Tolly's Nullah and can be identified easily with its characteristic brick-red walls. Within the premises one can spot the Alipore Jail Press Building, the central watchtower, over a dozen buildings which served as prison cells and wards, and the Alipore Jail Hospital building. Notable freedom fighters who were incarcerated here include Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Chittaranjan Das, Dinesh Gupta, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy to name a few. It served as a correctional home till 2019 when the inmates were shifted to Baruipur, on the outskirts of Kolkata. From being a silent witness to the brutalities inflicted on the freedom fighters of the country, the Alipore Central Correctional Home is now transformed as a memorial and museum to honour the sacrifice of those who fought for the independence of India.

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Netaji Cell

Incarcerated from

January 23, 1930 to September 23, 1930

Dr. B.C. Roy Cell

Incarcerated from

Wetlands inside the Recorded Forest Area

Nehru Cell

Incarcerated from

February 17 to May 7, 1934

Deshbandhu Cell

Incarcerated from

February 14, 1922 to August 9, 1922

Deshapriya Cell

Incarcerated from

October 22, 1932 to June 5, 1933


Aurobiondo Ghose and Alipore Bomb Case

In the aftermath of the Muzaffarpur Bomb throwing incident, the Police raided the property at 32, Muraripukur Road in the wee hours of May 2, 1908. A Bomb-factory was discovered as was a cache of arms, a large quantity of ammunition, bombs, detonators and other tools. They also confiscated revolutionary literature.

Aurobindo was arrested in connection with the case. Seen as the mastermind behind the bomb-conspiracy and secret activities of the Anushilan Samiti, Aurobindo was kept in solitary confinement at the then Alipore Jail (now known as the Presidency Jail), not too far away from the present Alipore Jail (Independence Museum) premises. During his stay at the jail, Aurobindo wrote in considerable detail with his characteristic wry wit and keen observation of prison life. The works have been compiled as Tales of Prison Life or Karakahini in Bengali.

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Places to Visit

INA Theme Cafe

Light and Sound

Souvenir Shop

Watchtower

Exhibition

Netaji Exibition Room

The light and sound show narrates how our patriots struggled for Independence. It provides an insight into the oppressive actions of the British Empire. The show brings you face-to-face virtually with these eminent historical characters and their stories. The interpretation center and the light and sound show add to the experience curated in the museums and the jail complexes its various exhibits are housed in. The cafeteria and restaurant are also available for you to take breaks whenever you want.