Preface To 'The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre' By Raja Ram

The words 'Jallianwala Bagh' have a hypnotic effect on the Indian mind. Once uttered or heard they bring forth unadulte­rated feelings of patriotism on the one hand and contempt of the alien rule on the other. We are at once reminded of those hard clays when British imperialists could go to any extent to strengthen their hold on India. At the same time, the Jallianwala Bagh is a symbol of Indian's dauntless courage and love of liberty. It is, indeed, a monument of liberty that constantly reminds us of our duty to be ever vigilant to preserve our hard­won freedom. Jallianwala Bagh, as such, is an immortal mile­stone in India's struggle for freedom. It stands as a beacon light of inspiration to all of us and we hold our heads high at the glory that covered the martyrs.

It was to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of this great national event in 1969 that the first edition of the book 'Jallianwala Bagh Massacre' was brought out by the Panjab University. The book was widely reviewed and appreciated in the literary columns of newspapers and journals of repute.

I am happy that the author and the Puhl ication Bureau of the University by their commendable efforts have brought out the second edition to meet the growing demand of the knowledgeable public.

In this edition the author has revised the book, particularly its latter part. It was necessary in view of the new material that he came across after 1969. A plethora of new literature touch­ing the theme, that has come up during the recent years, has been kept in view by the author. The conclusion of the book has, however, been left intact. To give support to his conclu­sion the author has added a crucial chapter Premeditated Plan to prove that General Dyer had gone to the Bagh to teach Indians a lesson and had calculated all pros and cons of his intended dastardly action well in advance.

I hope the second edition would evoke a good response from the intelligentsia.