Dagshai Central Jail and Museum
| Place | Dagshai |
|---|---|
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 2011 |
| Museum Type | Jail Museum / Military Heritage |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Dagshai, Himachal Pradesh 173210 |
| Visiting Time | 09:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday Closed on Mondays.) |
| Entry Fee | Free Entry |
Museum Introduction
Built by the British in 1847 at a cost of ₹72,873, the jail was used to house "rogue soldiers," mutineers, and political prisoners. It was converted into a museum in 2011 through the efforts of the Indian Army and local historian Anand Sethi to preserve its dark but significant history.
General Collections
The museum showcases 54 maximum-security cells, with 16 specifically designed for solitary confinement. The collection includes archival photographs, vintage uniforms, historical documents, and military memorabilia sourced from India, the UK, and Ireland.
Unique Historical Collections
Torture Chamber & "Bread and Water" Cells: Features unique cells where prisoners were "sandwiched" between two doors barely 3 feet apart, restricting all movement. The museum also highlights the Connaught Rangers Mutiny (1920) involving Irish soldiers.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The site is famous for housing both Mahatma Gandhi (as a visitor/solidarity guest) and his assassin Nathuram Godse (as a prisoner) at different times. No escape was ever successfully recorded from this jail due to its three-tiered gate system and natural cliff-side defenses. |
| Artifacts | Gun-metal fire hydrant (1865) made in the UK; Traditional spinning wheel (Charkha) in the VIP cell; Heavy teak wood doors with cross-iron alloy bars; Vintage regimental photographs. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 1792 273302 (Cantonment Board) |
| Email ID | dagshaijailmuseum@gmail.com |
Artifact Gallery
