Which British colonel is remembered as the Butcher of Amritsar for his role in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919?

Key Points

• Reginald Dyer is remembered as the Butcher of Amritsar for his role in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.
• The massacre took place on April 13, 1919, when Dyer ordered his troops to fire on a peaceful gathering of men, women, and children.
• Hundreds of people were killed and many more were injured in this tragic event.
• The massacre was a turning point in India's struggle for independence and significantly contributed to the rise of the Indian independence movement.
• Dyer's actions were widely condemned both in India and internationally, leading to his eventual removal from duty.

Additional Information

• The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is considered one of the most brutal acts of colonial repression in India.
• The event galvanized Indian leaders and the public to demand greater self-governance and ultimately complete independence from British rule.
• It led to the non-cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, which was a significant step towards India's independence.
• In 2019, the British government expressed "deep regret" over the massacre, although it stopped short of a formal apology.
• The Jallianwala Bagh site in Amritsar is now a national memorial and a symbol of the sacrifices made in the fight for Indian independence.