Heritage of Andaman – Echoes of the Past
Explore the historical landmarks that tell the tale of courage, sacrifice & resilience.
Explore Andaman’s Heritage Today!
Explore, Learn & Experience the history that shaped our nation.
📍 Cellular Jail – The National Memorial
The Cellular Jail, also known as ‘Kaala Pani,’ stands as a silent witness to India’s struggle for freedom. Built in 1906, this colonial prison housed many freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar and Batukeshwar Dutt. Designed with seven wings radiating from a central tower, it enforced solitary confinement, subjecting prisoners to inhumane conditions.
Today, the jail is a National Memorial, where a Sound & Light Show narrates the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters. A visit to this historic site is both emotional and educational, offering a glimpse into the hardships endured for independence.
📍 Ross Island – The Lost British Capital
Ross Island, once the British administrative headquarters, was a thriving settlement with churches, bakeries, and a ballroom. From 1858 to 1941, it served as the British capital of the Andaman Islands, but today, its ruins are slowly being reclaimed by nature.
In 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian tricolor here, declaring it the first Indian territory free from British rule. Now a heritage site, Ross Island offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, where deer roam freely among its hauntingly beautiful remnants.
📍 Viper Island – The Forgotten Prison
Before the Cellular Jail, Viper Island was a colonial penal settlement where the British imprisoned and executed many freedom fighters. Named after a wrecked British vessel, the island’s most infamous site was the Gallows, where prisoners were hanged as a public spectacle.
Though less known than the Cellular Jail, Viper Island holds deep historical significance. The suffering of its prisoners paved the way for the infamous Kaala Pani. Today, this quiet yet powerful place offers visitors a chance to reflect on India’s freedom struggle amid scenic coastal views.
📍 Aberdeen Clock Tower – The Colonial Landmark
The Aberdeen Clock Tower, a lesser-known yet iconic landmark in Port Blair, was built by the British as a central point of their colonial settlement. Standing in the heart of the city, it has witnessed Andaman’s transformation over the decades.
With its blend of British and Indian architectural styles, the tower retains its historical charm despite renovations. A key reference point in Port Blair, it serves as a popular meeting place for locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into the island’s colonial past.
