Ahmedabad: The city’s Sabarmati central jail holds a unique place in Gujarat’s history, not only for housing prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel but also for pioneering early efforts in reforms. A fascinating story about the prison has now come to the fore — a garba composed by renowned poet Kavi Dalpatram in 1863.
Titled ‘Amdavad ni Turang no Garbo’, and published in the magazine Budhiprakash, the garba chronicles the transformation of the jail under the leadership of court superintendent Bejan ‘Naazar’.Upon witnessing the deplorable conditions of the inmates, similar to living in “hell”, Bejan embarked on a reformative mission.
While explaining the initial condition of the inmates, Dalpatram writes, “Durgandh thi naak dabta, jai koi jata paas; Bejanji keri bardase, dukhna khoya din; narak kund thi, narsi jagya, kewati te taal re…” Dalpatram’s poignant verses paint a stark picture of the prison: Unkempt inmates, filthy living quarters and an unbearable stench. However, the garba takes a hopeful turn, detailing the swift improvements under Bejan’s direction. Toilets were cleaned, quarters were painted, and the entire jail building underwent renovation by 1863.
“Beyond sprucing up the place, court superintendent Bejan also introduced vocational activities like weaving and carpentry for the inmates,” says city-based historian Rizwan Kadri. He adds, “Bejan even facilitated work opportunities for some inmates in distant farmlands in Ahmedabad.” The garba emphasizes the focus on personal hygiene with provision of soap and bathing becoming a norm.
The ‘garbo’ is part of the recently released research undertaken by Raksha Shakti University called ‘Social and cultural history of the Sabarmati central jail’.
Titled ‘Amdavad ni Turang no Garbo’, and published in the magazine Budhiprakash, the garba chronicles the transformation of the jail under the leadership of court superintendent Bejan ‘Naazar’.Upon witnessing the deplorable conditions of the inmates, similar to living in “hell”, Bejan embarked on a reformative mission.
While explaining the initial condition of the inmates, Dalpatram writes, “Durgandh thi naak dabta, jai koi jata paas; Bejanji keri bardase, dukhna khoya din; narak kund thi, narsi jagya, kewati te taal re…” Dalpatram’s poignant verses paint a stark picture of the prison: Unkempt inmates, filthy living quarters and an unbearable stench. However, the garba takes a hopeful turn, detailing the swift improvements under Bejan’s direction. Toilets were cleaned, quarters were painted, and the entire jail building underwent renovation by 1863.
“Beyond sprucing up the place, court superintendent Bejan also introduced vocational activities like weaving and carpentry for the inmates,” says city-based historian Rizwan Kadri. He adds, “Bejan even facilitated work opportunities for some inmates in distant farmlands in Ahmedabad.” The garba emphasizes the focus on personal hygiene with provision of soap and bathing becoming a norm.
The ‘garbo’ is part of the recently released research undertaken by Raksha Shakti University called ‘Social and cultural history of the Sabarmati central jail’.