Martyrs’ Well

A Silent Witness to Tragedy

The Martyrs’ Well at Jallianwala Bagh stands as one of the most haunting reminders of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 13 April 1919. During the indiscriminate firing by British troops, hundreds of terrified men, women, and children attempted to escape the bullets by jumping into this well, which had no protective boundary. Many lost their lives within its depths, making the well a powerful symbol of the brutality inflicted upon innocent civilians.

The Well During the Massacre

As firing continued for nearly ten minutes and the only exit from the Bagh was blocked, panic-stricken people ran towards the walls or sought refuge wherever possible. In their desperate attempt to survive, numerous individuals fell or jumped into the open well. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the well was filled with bodies, bearing testimony to the scale of human suffering that unfolded that day.

A Symbol of Innocent Sacrifice

The Martyrs’ Well represents the helplessness of the unarmed crowd and the cruelty of colonial repression. Those who perished here were ordinary citizens—families, farmers, and festival-goers—who had gathered peacefully on the occasion of Baisakhi. Their deaths transformed the well into a sacred site of remembrance.

Preservation as a Memorial

Today, the Martyrs’ Well has been preserved as an integral part of the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial. A protective structure surrounds the well, allowing visitors to view it while reflecting on the tragic loss of life. It stands alongside other memorial features as a reminder of the price paid for India’s freedom.

Legacy in India’s Freedom Struggle

The tragedy associated with the Martyrs’ Well deeply influenced the national consciousness and strengthened the resolve of freedom fighters across the country. The massacre became a rallying point that accelerated India’s struggle against colonial rule and exposed the true nature of imperial oppression.

Commemorative Postage Stamps

In remembrance of the martyrs who lost their lives at Jallianwala Bagh, including those who perished in the Martyrs’ Well, India Post issued Commemorative Postage Stamps during the centenary year in 2019. These stamps honour the sacrifices made and ensure that the memory of the tragedy continues to inspire future generations.