Ekaant Season 1 Episode 14 Cellular Jail

Ekaant is a fascinating Indian travelogue series that showcases the architectural and historical wonders of India. The show takes viewers on a journey to explore lesser-known destinations, hidden in remote corners of the country, in an attempt to unravel the stories behind them.

In Season 1, Episode 14 titled "Cellular Jail," we witness the host, Akul Tripathi, journeying to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a remote Indian archipelago situated in the Bay of Bengal. The episode focuses on the Cellular Jail, also known as Kaala Paani, located in Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Cellular Jail is a dark and haunting reminder of the colonial past of India. Built by the British in 1896, the jail was used to imprison Indian freedom fighters who fought for the country's independence. The jail was designed in a way that the prisoners were kept in solitary confinement in small, windowless cells. The prisoners were subject to brutal torture and inhumane living conditions, which often led to their death.

Akul takes us on a tour of the jail and provides insight into the history and significance of this monument. As we explore the premises, we witness the grim and oppressive atmosphere of the jail, where each cell is a testament to the atrocities faced by the prisoners. The jail was designed in a way that prisoners could not communicate with each other or move around freely.

While walking through the corridors of the jail, Akul tells us the story of Veer Savarkar, one of India's prominent freedom fighters, who was imprisoned in the Cellular Jail for over a decade. Akul describes how Savarkar endured torture and isolation in the jail and yet continued to fight for the country's independence.

The jail also housed a mosque, a church, and a gurudwara, which were built for the prisoners of different faiths. Akul sheds light on how the jail became a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and languages, all united in their shared struggle for freedom.

In addition to the tour of the jail, Akul also meets with some descendants of the prisoners who were incarcerated in the Cellular Jail. These descendants share their family's stories and their forefathers' experiences of living in the harsh conditions of the jail. Akul interviews them and provides a glimpse into their perspective on the jail's history.

The episode also highlights the role of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India's freedom struggle. The islands served as a prison for revolutionaries and freedom fighters who were exiled there by the British. Later on, the islands became a centre for the Indian National Army, which was formed to fight against the British during World War II.

Overall, Ekaant Season 1 Episode 14: Cellular Jail is a powerful and moving episode that explores the dark and haunting history behind one of India's most infamous colonial monuments. The episode sheds light on the sacrifices, struggles, and hardships faced by India's freedom fighters in their fight for independence. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance and reflection on India's colonial past.