When Mahatma Gandhi Was Arrested in Palwal During Anti-Rowlatt Protests and Held Overnight at Mathura Police Barracks During the protests against the repressive 1919 British law, Mahatma Gandhi was arrested at Palwal railway station on April 9, 1919, while traveling to Amritsar. He was brought to Mathura, kept overnight in a police line barrack, and sent back to Mumbai the following day amidst massive public gathering. 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. What this means for you • Across India: This historical event enhances awareness of India's freedom struggle and connects citizens with Mahatma Gandhi's legacy of non-violent resistance. • In Mathura and Palwal: Local residents and travelers gain an opportunity to learn about the region's rich freedom history through the commemorative display at platform number 2 of Mathura station. Questions & Answers 1. When and where was Mahatma Gandhi arrested? Mahatma Gandhi was arrested on April 9, 1919, at Palwal railway station by an Anglo-Indian station master while traveling to Amritsar. 2. Where was Mahatma Gandhi held after his arrest? Following his arrest, Gandhi was brought to Mathura and kept overnight inside a police line barrack. 3. Which law was enacted by the British government in February 1919? In February 1919, the British government enacted the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act (Rowlatt Act), which was condemned as a black law. 4. How many people gathered at Mathura railway station to see Gandhi? Around 5,000 people assembled at Mathura railway station to catch a glimpse of Mahatma Gandhi after news of his arrival spread. 5. What unusual incident occurred during the train departure on April 10, 1919? On April 10, 1919, a carriage detached from the train returning Gandhi to Mumbai and remained at Mathura station while the locomotive moved 1 mile ahead. Inspiration & Lessons Inspiration & Lessons: • Non-Violent Resistance to Injustice: Mahatma Gandhi courageously opposed oppressive laws like the Rowlatt Act through peaceful and non-violent means. • Unwavering Commitment to Purpose: Despite detention and movement restrictions, Gandhi remained steadfast in his service to the nation and the freedom movement. • Deep Connection with the Masses: The gathering of thousands of citizens highlights the profound trust and unity inspired by selfless leadership. https://trendkia.com/en/national/rowlatt-act-ke-virodha-ke-daurana-jaba-palwal-men-aresta-hue-the-mahatma-gandhi-mathura-pulisa-laina-men-kati-thi-rata-13984 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.