Viper Islands, a small island chain in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has a notorious history. It was once used as a British colonial prison, and during the colonial period, many political prisoners were executed or sent here. This article will explore the dark history of Viper Islands, its significance during the colonial period, and what remains of it today.
Introduction
Viper Islands, a small island chain in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has a dark history. This group of small islands was used as a colonial prison by the British during the colonial period. The prison housed many political prisoners who were tortured and executed on the islands. In this article, we will explore the history of Viper Islands, its significance during the colonial period, and what remains of it today.
Geographical Overview of Viper Islands
The Viper Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal and are a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands are made up of three small islands- Viper, Twin, and Rutland. The largest of the three islands is Viper Island, which covers an area of about 60 acres. The island is surrounded by the sea on all sides and is about 23 km from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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History of Viper Islands
British Colonial Period in Andamans
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were discovered by the British in the late 18th century. The British began to use these islands as a penal colony in the early 19th century. The British used the Andamans as a prison colony to house the Indian freedom fighters who opposed their colonial rule. The prison colony on the Andaman Islands was established in 1858.
Establishment of Penal Colony in Andamans
The British established a penal colony on the Andaman Islands because they believed that the isolation and difficult living conditions of the islands would be enough to deter prisoners from attempting to escape. The prisoners were used as forced labor in the construction of prisons, buildings, and other infrastructure on the islands.
Viper Island and its Role in the Andaman Penal Colony
Viper Island was an important part of the Andaman penal colony. The island was used to house prisoners who were considered dangerous or who had committed serious crimes. The island was also used to execute prisoners who had been sentenced to death. The executions on Viper Island were carried out in a small jail that was built on the island.
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Life on Viper Islands
Living Conditions of the Prisoners
The living conditions on Viper Island were harsh and inhumane. The prisoners were kept in small, cramped cells and were given little food or water. The cells had no windows and were infested with insects and rodents. The prisoners were forced to work long hours in difficult conditions and were subjected to harsh punishments for even the smallest mistakes. Many prisoners died from disease, malnutrition, or overwork. The living conditions on Viper Island were so terrible that it became known as the “hell on earth.”
Treatment of Political Prisoners
The political prisoners on Viper Island were treated particularly harshly. These prisoners were often leaders of the Indian independence movement and were seen as a threat to British rule in India. They were subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment and were often kept in solitary confinement for long periods. Many of them were executed on Viper Island.
Infamous Executions on Viper Islands
Viper Island is infamous for the executions that took place there. The prisoners who were sentenced to death were taken to the gallows, which were located on a small hill on the island. They were then hanged in full view of the other prisoners. The most famous execution that took place on Viper Island was that of Sher Ali, a political prisoner who was hanged in 1872. His execution was a turning point in the Indian independence movement and led to increased resistance against British rule.
Viper Islands Today
Tourist Attractions on Viper Islands
Today, Viper Island is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a boat ride from Port Blair to the island and explore the remains of the prison and other colonial-era buildings. The island offers stunning views of the surrounding sea and is a popular spot for photography.
Memorial of the Political Prisoners
The Indian government has also set up a memorial on Viper Island to honor the memory of the political prisoners who were imprisoned and executed there. The memorial includes a plaque with the names of the prisoners who were executed on the island.
Protection of the Heritage Site
The Indian government has taken steps to protect the heritage site of Viper Island. The island is a protected area, and visitors are not allowed to damage or remove any artifacts or structures from the island. The government has also set up a museum on the island to educate visitors about the history of Viper Island and the Andaman penal colony.
Conclusion
Viper Islands, Andamans, have a dark and painful history. The British used these islands as a colonial prison during the colonial period, and many political prisoners were tortured and executed on the islands. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination and a memorial to the victims of British colonialism. By preserving the heritage site and educating visitors about its history, we can ensure that the memory of Viper Islands and the suffering endured there is never forgotten.
FAQs
- Who were the political prisoners on Viper Island?
- The political prisoners on Viper Island were leaders of the Indian independence movement who were seen as a threat to British rule in India.
- What was the living condition on Viper Island like?
- The living conditions on Viper Island were harsh and inhumane. The prisoners were kept in small, cramped cells and were given little food or water.
- Can visitors explore the remains of the prison on Viper Island?
- Yes, visitors can explore the remains of the prison and other colonial-era buildings on Viper Island.
- What is the memorial on Viper Island for?
- The memorial on Viper Island is to honor the memory of the political prisoners who were imprisoned and executed on the island.
- Is Viper Island a protected area?
- Yes, Viper Island is a protected area, and visitors are not allowed to damage or remove any artifacts or structures from the island.
