Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: History, Casualties, Aftermath

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab. It is one of the most tragic events and dark chapters in Indian History.

Sheetal Gaur

April 03, 2025

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: History, Casualties, Aftermath

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre is one of the most tragic events in Indian history. On April 13, 1919, British troops opened fire on thousands of innocent men, women, and children gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab. The brutal attack, ordered by Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, resulted in hundreds of deaths and left a deep scar on India’s fight against British rule.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre History

In 1919, the British government in India introduced the Rowlatt Act, which allowed authorities to arrest and detain people without trial. This law was widely opposed by Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, as it suppressed civil liberties.

  • The people of Punjab, particularly in Amritsar, started protesting against the law.
  • On April 10, 1919, British forces arrested prominent leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, leading to violent protests.
  • The British responded with martial law, banning large gatherings and restricting movement.

However, many people were unaware of these restrictions and gathered at Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919, which was also the festival of Baisakhi, an important day for Punjabis.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

106 Years of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

April 13, 2025, marks 106 years since the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, a tragic event that changed the course of India’s independence struggle. On this day in 1919, thousands of innocent Indians lost their lives when British troops, under General Dyer’s orders, opened fire on an unarmed gathering in Amritsar.

Even after more than a century, the massacre remains a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of India’s fight for freedom. As we remember this dark chapter in history, we pay tribute to the martyrs whose sacrifices paved the way for India’s independence.

What Happened on April 13, 1919?

Thousands of men, women, and children assembled peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden surrounded by high walls with only a narrow entrance. Many came to protest against the Rowlatt Act, while others were there to celebrate Baisakhi.

Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, upon hearing about the gathering, arrived at the scene with 90 soldiers armed with rifles. Without warning, he ordered them to open fire on the unarmed crowd.

  • The firing lasted for 10 minutes, during which 1,650 rounds of ammunition were used.
  • People had no way to escape, as the exits were blocked.
  • Many jumped into a well inside Jallianwala Bagh to avoid bullets but drowned in the process.

The massacre left hundreds dead and over a thousand injured.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Casualties in Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 

The exact number of deaths remains uncertain. The British government reported 379 deaths, while Indian estimates suggest that over 1,000 people were killed.

Details British Official Report Indian Estimates
Total Deaths 379 1,000+
Total Injured 1,200 1,500+
Bullets Fired 1,650 1,650+

People Responsible for Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Both Dyer and O’Dwyer played significant roles in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, making them infamous figures in India’s struggle for freedom. Their actions and lack of remorse fueled greater resistance against British rule, ultimately leading to India’s independence in 1947.

Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer

Brigadier General Reginald Dyer

Brigadier-General Reginald Edward Harry Dyer was the British officer responsible for ordering the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre on April 13, 1919. He was born in 1864 in India and served in the British Indian Army.

 

Sir Michael O’Dwyer

Sir Michael ODwyer

Sir Michael O’Dwyer was the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and played a key role in enforcing harsh colonial policies. Born in 1864 in Ireland, O’Dwyer was a staunch supporter of British imperial rule in India.

Aftermath and Reactions of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

In response to public outcry, the British government established the Hunter Commission to investigate the incident. However, the massacre transformed many loyalists into nationalists, intensifying the demand for independence.

British Government’s Response

  • The British government formed the Hunter Commission to investigate the incident.
  • The commission criticized General Dyer but did not take any strict action against him.
  • Instead of punishment, Dyer was praised by some British officials and even received a pension.

Indian Response

  • Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) in response to the massacre.
  • Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood as a protest against British cruelty.
  • The massacre intensified India’s freedom struggle, with many Indians losing faith in British rule.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Establishment of Hunter Commission

In response to the widespread public outrage over the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the British government established the Hunter Commission in October 1919 to investigate the incident. The commission was led by Lord William Hunter, a senior British official, and consisted of seven members—four British and three Indian representatives.

Impact of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

The massacre had long-term effects on India’s independence movement:

  1. Stronger Nationalism: Many moderate Indians who initially supported British rule turned against it.
  2. Rise of Revolutionaries: Young leaders like Bhagat Singh were deeply affected by this event, inspiring them to join the freedom struggle.
  3. Loss of Trust in British Rule: Indians realized that British rule was oppressive, leading to widespread protests.

Jallianwala Bagh Memorial to Honor the Martyrs

Today, Jallianwala Bagh is a national memorial, preserving the memory of those who lost their lives. Key features of the memorial include:

Memorial Description
The Martyrs’ Well A well where hundreds of people jumped to escape the bullets, losing their lives.
Bullet Marks on Walls The walls of Jallianwala Bagh still bear visible bullet marks from the massacre.
The Flame of Liberty A symbolic structure representing India’s struggle for independence.
Sculptures & Murals Artistic depictions that narrate the tragic events through intricate sculptures and murals.
Museum & Galleries Displays historical photographs, documents, and artifacts, along with a daily light-and-sound show narrating the events of April 13, 1919.

Ready to boost your UPSC NDA 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC NDA online courses today!

Jallianwala Bagh Memorial

Jallianwala Bagh is located in Amritsar, Punjab, India, near the Golden Temple.

The massacre took place on April 13, 1919, during the festival of Baisakhi.

It was a brutal response by the British to protests against the Rowlatt Act, which allowed imprisonment without trial.

Lord Chelmsford was the Viceroy of India, and Sir Michael O'Dwyer was the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab.

The Jallianwala Bagh Memorial preserves the memory of the massacre, featuring the Martyrs' Well, bullet marks on walls, sculptures, and a museum.

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  

by month

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

To Download Toppers Copies: Click here

Aiming for UPSC?
Begin|

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.