The Dagshai Jail Museum​

The Dagshai Jail Museum, situated in the cantonment town of Dagshai in Himachal Pradesh, offers a poignant glimpse into India's colonial past. Constructed in 1849 by the British, this T-shaped stone structure housed 54 maximum-security cells, including 16 solitary confinement units, designed to suppress dissent and rebellion. Notably, it is one of only two former jails in India—along with the Cellular Jail in Andaman—that have been transformed into museums. The museum's exhibits include original jail cells, archival photographs, and artifacts that narrate tales of political prisoners and freedom fighters. Among its most significant historical connections is Mahatma Gandhi's 1920 visit to the jail. He stayed for two days to express solidarity with Irish mutineers who had been imprisoned there, highlighting the shared struggles against British imperialism. Additionally, the museum commemorates the execution of James Daly, a leader of the Irish mutiny, marking a rare instance of a British soldier being executed for mutiny during that era. The Dagshai Jail Museum stands as a solemn reminder of the hardships endured by those who resisted colonial rule, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the resilience and sacrifices that shaped India's path to independence.