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Jallianwala Bagh

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For nearly two hundred years the British ruled India, first with the East India Company then the British government took control, that period of rule became known as the British Raj and lasted until India became independent in 1947.
Over the years many attempts were made to overthrow British colonial rule, but all attempts ended in failure.
Farmers were encouraged to grow crops for export and were taxed heavily, crops that could have been used to help victims of famines that struck India were exported for profit.
The British saw themselves as superior to the Indian population and looked down on them, they were subjects of the Empire and the British ruled them with an iron fist.
They imposed many restrictions and curfews and the punishment for anyone breaking the rules was harsh.
The incident in my poem refers to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre often known as the Amritsar massacre where hundreds were killed or badly injured, thousands had gathered to celebrate Baisakhi, a harvest spring festival and many did not know that gatherings of large crowds had been outlawed and had gathered at a park the Jallianwala Bagh for a peaceful protest, the events that followed was nothing short of mass murder.
The British officer commanding the troops Reginald Dyer later became known as the 'The Butcher of Amristar'.
The official death toll was 379 with over a thousand injured some seriously, but many have disputed the official death toll saying it was much higher.
Recently Britain expressed regret but stopped short of issuing a formal apology for the slaughter of innocent and unarmed civilians by the British army.

The occupation of India began, with the East India company And prospered across large swathes of Indian territory Then the British Crown took control, bringing military might And to maintain superiority they were prepared to fight. The British saw themselves as the ruling class elite Opposing their occupation always ended in defeat A rebellion in eighteen fifty seven, was quickly put down No match were the rebels against the might of the Crown. Curfews and restrictions they placed on the population The people of India grew weary of this abomination Civil disobedience came later, introduced by Gandhi With the hope non violent action would set India free. In the year nineteen ninteen on the thirteenth of April Thousands were celebrating Baisakhi, a harvest festival At Amritsar in the Punjab region, that's now a state Unaware they were about to meet, with a terrible fate. A ban on gatherings had been issued but many didn't know And for a peaceful protest to Jallianwala Bagh they did go A park with high walls and narrow entrances, that led you inside Men, women and young children stood together side by side. Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, fearing violent disorder Ordered troops under his command to carry out mass murder They fired round after round, there was panic and screams A scenario you would only find in nightmarish dreams. Hundreds were killed and on the ground they fell Others tried to escape the carnage by jumping in a well Many more died in the stampede, as they tried to get away Their escape hampered by bodies that on the ground lay. Many had serious injuries and they eventually died No help was forthcoming because soldiers were outside There was pools of blood everywhere and rivers of red Bodies scattered all around of the dying and the dead. Men, women and young children lying lifeless and still Were victims of Brigadiers Dyers order, of shoot to kill The people carried no weapons and were certainly no threat They were just innocent people, who met with a violent death. When the news broke out there was outrage across the land But in England Dyer was applauded for making a stand Eventually the tide turned and he was forced to stand down It was the beginning of the end in India, for the British crown. Non violent disobedience was now the weapon of resistance And in ninteen forty seven India gained her independence India had managed to shake off, the shackles of an empire But not before more lives were lost, caught in the crossfire. Written on 21st of June 2021.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021




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Date: 11/23/2021 8:49:00 PM
I was drawn by the title, the JALLIAN WALLABAG massacre, which still makes the hair stand on end in every Indian... an incident that has left a deep scar, ... an unexpected and unprecedented attack on a group of disarmed and innocent people by the British officials that sparked off violent protests against the British rule. The gruesome incident is depicted in such a way that I have been re living the horror of the scene once more ! Great work Tom
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/24/2021 3:17:00 AM
Thank you very much Valsa, it was a terrible crime and the British should hang their heads in shame. Not just in India but Kenya, South Africa and Ireland. Theres always regret but never a full apology. They're a law unto themselves, the days of the British empire are over but many don't see it. Tom
Date: 8/1/2021 4:04:00 AM
I learn so much from reading your poems Tom. I felt like I was there! Sometimes I'm ashamed to be British. Those poor innocent people. Great poem, well done :)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/1/2021 4:08:00 AM
Thank you very much Lisa, definitely a dark stain on Britain's past. They stopped at nothing to hold on to their dwindling empire. Tom
Date: 7/16/2021 11:36:00 AM
OMG what a horrific scene. Your description is so graphic Tom, I felt like I was there unfortunately. I can imagine that many died just trying to escape and trampling each other, as I've been on a crowded beach in India before. Sadly well done..
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/16/2021 2:59:00 PM
Thank you very much Nancy, not Englands finest hour for sure, but everywhere they went they ruled with an iron fist. It took Mahatma Ghandi and his campaign of civil disobedience to kick them out. Tom
Date: 7/11/2021 11:12:00 AM
Another proud moment in Britain’s illustrious past... Not! Sorry I missed this at the time, but belated congrats on POTD. I thought I had Soup set to send me POTDs daily, but it seems erratic. Terry
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/11/2021 11:16:00 AM
Thank you Terry, when they heard about it back home they were praising him but the tide turned against him and he was kicked out the army. It was the end for the British Raj in India. Tom
Date: 7/3/2021 11:01:00 AM
Returning with congrats Tom on POTD a deserved honor for such a brilliant write. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/3/2021 11:10:00 AM
Thank you very much for your return visit and congrats Jennifer, I hope you're okay now. Enjoy your weekend. Tom
Date: 6/30/2021 11:03:00 AM
Excellent read Tom. Ann and I were lucky enough to visit Shimla - the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills in 2018. Wonderful people and culture. Whilst there we visited The Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly known as Viceregal Lodge..home of the 1947 partition discussions which created India and Pakistan. There is much NOT to be proud of when it comes to British history. Cheers - Gary
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/30/2021 1:55:00 PM
Thank you very much Gary, you were so lucky to visit India, a place I'd love to visit. Im not sure partitioning the country was a good idea. I know many more countries have been responsible for wrongdoings in conquered lands but you'd think the honourable thing would be to acknowledge it and issue a formal apology. Tom
Date: 6/29/2021 7:13:00 PM
On the nail again Tom, a brilliant write . . .
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/30/2021 12:46:00 AM
Thank you very much Indiana, every country under the British empire was exploited and workers paid a pittance, and they enforced harsh rules. Tom
Date: 6/29/2021 9:48:00 AM
Hi Tom. A brilliant poem and congrats on POTD. Britain's predatory ways were largely driven by the British Crown and East India Co. We see throughout human history where one power plunders another. Yes, it is shocking what humans can do to their fellow beings. Dominion and slavery goes back a long way. Many nations have suffered at the hands of others. But I agree, we British must have the backbone to stand up and make proper apology for our plunder of the past.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/29/2021 11:27:00 AM
Thank you very much Tony, all empire's were guilty of atrocities and many have issued apologies and compensated countries that suffered under their rule, I know many countries haven't forgot or forgiven the British empire for their cruelty. An apology would go a long way in building bridges. Tom
Date: 6/29/2021 5:21:00 AM
This really makes your blood run cold. It was a brutal assault that time will not erase....Delice
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/29/2021 8:16:00 AM
Thank you Delice, the British empire ruled with an iron fist with impunity, India, South Africa Israel and Ireland. They carried out many atrocities against civilians but have never been held to account for their actions, there's been feeble regrets but they never apologise. Tom
Date: 6/28/2021 8:38:00 PM
Congratulations on your POTD with this historical poem, Tom. It's a painful incident in the history of India during British rule ...which Indians could not erase from their minds. You must have done a lot of research before writing this excellent masterpiece. Thank you for writing such great poetry. Best wishes ~ Mala
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/29/2021 4:01:00 AM
Thank you very much Mala, it was a dark time for the Indian people under British rule and they brutally put down any opposition. The British empire has blood on its hands. Tom
Date: 6/28/2021 12:20:00 PM
This is horrible but it is History and it brings to mind something my History teacher once said in class . He said, "Remember, those who don't know History are doomed to repeat it." That is why the usurpers always kill off the ruling classes of the places they over run and try to erase their history. A fine write my friend. God Bless, JB
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/28/2021 12:29:00 PM
Thank you very much Judy, a dark stain on the British empire. Your teacher was right, destroying another's culture and identity for their own ends and rewriting their history. Tom
Date: 6/25/2021 1:29:00 PM
Another masterful historical penning Tom, such good rhyme and flow with such insightful thought to make the whole piece so interesting even if it's also so sad. Congrats on the POTD. Have a great weekend, Blessings, Gordon
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/25/2021 2:01:00 PM
Thank you very much Gordon, it was a terrible crime they inflicted on the Indian people, many had come from outlying villages totally unaware there was a ban on gatherings. Hope you too have a lovely weekend, lot of rain here at the moment. Tom
Date: 6/25/2021 5:35:00 AM
An excellent write, Tom! Your poems are always worth the read. Loved the history but oh the sadness and horror!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/25/2021 5:47:00 AM
Thank you very much for your return visit Kim, it was a dark time for the people of India who protested peacefully but were killed for doing so. Tom
Date: 6/25/2021 2:26:00 AM
This is amazing... you write these historical poems in rhyme so amazingly well. I'm always in awe of them. Congrats on POTD. God bless you always. Love, Gina
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/25/2021 2:38:00 AM
Thank you very much Gina, I love history and to try and tell it in a poem. Sadly though not all historical events end on a happy note like this one.. Enjoy your weekend. Tom
Date: 6/24/2021 6:16:00 PM
Congratulations, Tom, on POTD! A longer read I will read later. Grands are visiting!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/25/2021 1:09:00 AM
No worries Kim, enjoy your day Tom
Date: 6/24/2021 5:36:00 PM
Hello Tom … all of Europe's invaders were ruthless believing they were superior. This is a fine piece of history that I found fascinating indeed - thank you Tom - Lindsay
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/25/2021 1:48:00 AM
Thank you Lindsay, you're right, all were brutal in their efforts to dominate others. This was just one such incident involving the British crown, but there was a lot more. Tom
Date: 6/24/2021 5:33:00 PM
I am so glad India got her independence from Britain. It's disgusting what was done to the innocents. it happens in many places, same as it did in my country to the native americans. good one.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/25/2021 1:53:00 AM
Thank you very much Andrea, it was horrific the atrocities carried out by the British in India and other countries they ruled, all for power and World domination. Tom
Date: 6/24/2021 11:47:00 AM
I'm back again Tom. Here is a piece or unknown from my neck of the woods... the takeaway for me is that the army generals back then were real dicks. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig_War_(1859)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/24/2021 12:26:00 PM
Lol, I fully agree, just read it Ken, it started with the shooting of a pig and escalated from that, unbelievable. Mind you WW1 started with the shooting of one man Archduke Ferdinand. Tom
Date: 6/24/2021 10:21:00 AM
It's the first time I've read in such exquisite poetry about the tragedies of the First World War's atrocities and human rights violations. As you rightly point out, Tom, the murder of those defenseless people began the process that culminated in the collapse of British authority, which eventually led to Her release from the shackles of oppression. Blessings and best wishes, dear friend.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/24/2021 10:58:00 AM
Thank you very much Lasaad, the British empire ruled with military might and an iron fist and crushed any resistance. Then Mahatma Ghandi introduced civil disobedience and they could do nothing about it and it eventually led to the collapse of rule in India, their parting shot was to make a partition creating Pakistan, Bangladesh and the rest became India we know today. Tom
Date: 6/24/2021 9:33:00 AM
Aw..just now got to read this..the year 1919, unforgettable in our Indian history. A crime, so brutal, against humanity. The merciless slaughter of those innocent unarmed people, was, as you wrote, Tom, the beginning of the end of the British Raj in India that finally led Her to free Herself from the shackles of the tyranny of the British. Thank you so much dear Tom for such an inspiring informative pen on the history of my country, specially to those who are not aware of this major incident of perpetration. A big FAV. Congrats on your POTD. God bless... ~ Ani
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/24/2021 10:52:00 AM
Thank you very much Ani, I first read about that horrific event, no, mass murder, a few years ago, recently I came across the it again when researching something else and thought how many are unaware of how the British empire behaved in India, Ireland, Kenya and South Africa. I hope I've gone some way in telling the story of how your people suffered at the hands of those thugs. Something else that makes my blood boil is there has never been an apology. They've expressed regret, really? It was mass murder of innocent men, women and children. The officer in charge should have been tried and hung for murder. Thank you too for faving it, I hope you are keeping well. Tom
Date: 6/24/2021 7:34:00 AM
True talk here...in poetry...Well done. Congratulations Tom Cunningham on POTD
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/24/2021 8:22:00 AM
Thank you very much for your congrats Arturo, hope you are keeping well. Tom
Date: 6/24/2021 12:57:00 AM
Congrats Tom on POTD! an important chapter in history- painful but should never be forgotten!! we can still hear the screams of the innocent dead!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/24/2021 1:06:00 AM
Thank you very much Krish, I hope I've gone some way in helping to keep the memory alive of those people who suffered and lost their lives at Jallianwala Bagh. A dark stain on England's colonial past. Tom
Date: 6/23/2021 10:04:00 PM
A dark day for humanity it was. Horror stories continue to replay, most unheard, untold. Congrats on POTD, Tom
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/24/2021 12:45:00 AM
Thank you very much US, they were treated so badly under the British empire who wanted to dominate the world just like the Nazis did. But as we've seen in history, empires come and go. Tom
Date: 6/23/2021 8:22:00 PM
Hello Tom. Late in posting to your magnificent work. Grandson is a whiz teaching Nana....new technology. Took many hours today. Golly It is 8pm on the West Coast, so here I am. You have strong feelings for mans endless inhumanity for others. And you covered it more than well. Thank you for being a Christian. People travel to murderous countries, filling their coffers? The USA is giving untold sums now to American and Israeli haters? CONGRATULATIONS Panagiota
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/24/2021 12:41:00 AM
Thank you very much for your return visit and congrats Pangie, hope you are getting to grips with the new tech. Tom
Date: 6/23/2021 8:08:00 PM
"Freedom is not free, it comes with a price" So true is this statement. You have expressed this moment in History with so much emotion. Congratulations Tom, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/24/2021 12:40:00 AM
Thank you very much Brandy, you're so right, the Indian people paid a high price for their freedom. I wanted the wider world to know how they suffered at the hands of the British empire, after researching it I realised that I could have wrote volumes. Tom
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