The city of Mathura holds a prominent place in the annals of India's freedom struggle, marking several pivotal events that shaped the independence movement. Among these historical milestones is a lesser-known chapter from April 1919, when Mahatma Gandhi was arrested while traveling to Punjab and brought to Mathura under armed guard. Detained by the colonial authorities, the national icon spent an entire night inside a police line barrack in Mathura before being sent back under heavy security.
The Rowlatt Act and Gandhi's Journey to Punjab
In February 1919, the British administration enacted the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, widely known as the Terrorist Crime Act or the Rowlatt Act. Designed to crush rising nationalist sentiments and suppress revolutionary activities across India, the oppressive legislation was universally denounced as a black law. In response, Mahatma Gandhi launched nationwide protests. On April 9, 1919, Gandhi boarded a train from Mumbai heading toward Amritsar to support the civil resistance movement in Punjab.
Arrest at Palwal Station and Detention in Mathura
As the train pulled into Palwal railway station on April 9, 1919, an Anglo-Indian station master served Mahatma Gandhi with a official government order barring his entry into Punjab. He was immediately taken into custody at Palwal station and transferred to Mathura on the very same day. Upon arrival in Mathura, authorities moved him to the Mathura Police Line, placing him inside a police barrack for overnight confinement. This marked a historic moment as the leader of the freedom movement spent the night behind police lines.
Massive Crowd of 5,000 Gather at Mathura Station
News of Mahatma Gandhi's presence in Mathura spread rapidly throughout the city, drawing thousands of citizens eager to catch a glimpse of the leader. An estimated crowd of 5,000 people assembled at Mathura railway station. Platform tickets were issued to a limited number of attendees, while many others were denied entry due to security concerns. Fearing potential public unrest and turmoil caused by the growing surge of supporters, colonial officials decided to cut short his stay and arranged for his prompt return toward Mumbai on April 10, 1919.
Unusual Railway Incident During Departure
The departure on April 10, 1919, witnessed a peculiar railway mishap that became part of local history. According to historical account detailed by Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma, as the train carrying Gandhi departed from Mathura station toward Mumbai, one of its carriages became detached and remained stuck at the platform. Unaware of the disconnected bogie, the locomotive continued onward, covering a distance of approximately 1 mile before the crew realized the situation and brought the train to a halt.
Commemorative Exhibition at Platform Number 2
To mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's arrest and spread awareness about this crucial episode of the freedom movement, a commemorative display was organized at Mathura railway station. Located on platform number 2, an exhibition stall presents photographs and historical documents detailing Gandhi's life and his connection to Mathura. Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma highlighted that the initiative aims to educate daily commuters and visitors about Gandhi's legacy and the courage shown during the anti-Rowlatt Act agitation.
