Amazing Real Jail Life Experience in 222 Years Old Prison !!!

Little after breakfast at my place in Hyderabad, there was an executive chauffeur waiting for me. No hand cuffs nor a police to arrest me. After an hours drive reported at the 222 years old prison by 10am. Prison Police asked to enrol my details with medical, no objection certificates & surrender all my belongings including mobile, gadgets, shoes, my attire, watch etc. and gave me the prisoner kit which includes khadi uniform, plate, and glass, a mug, bedding and toiletries after paying nominal fees for 24 hrs confinement. The Amenities are provided as prescribed by state prison manual. That’s it !!!

Beginning to calm down my egos. I was bit emotional in wearing khadi uniform, while going towards my barrack which fits a group of up to 15-20 people. At 1030am, had lunch with other prisoners. No siesta. The life in an open-air prison with limited movement within the premises is not that easy. 

This Fort like Heritage jail which was built with stone, sand, wood and mortar, has not been tampered with, thus giving the rustic look, was constructed in the year 1796 A.D., during the Nizam rule in the princely state of Hyderabad, India, by the Prime ministership of Salar Jung I, in a 3 acres of 9 barracks for 90 males and 1 barrack for 5 females separately, solitary cell, quarters and a watch tower. with the artefacts, equipment’s showing the history of Jails, displays the paintings related to crime and punishments, Chairs, fritters for prisoners, elephant tramples a convict.

After my Tea Break at 1200 Noon, Although not asked / required to break rocks or make bricks, everyone is expected to clean their own barrack, toilets, dusting walls, plant a sapling, watering gardens. Interacting with other real life convicts and their narrations is an Incredible experience. A bell made of five metals over 80 kg mfg. by Lyon & Adams, London, banged every hour !!! is the only known time keeper. 

By 0430pm survival dinner and did notice a barrack with articles mfg. by prisoners such as durries, soaps, steel articles and bakery items with a sales counter.

By 6pm it was total confinement and we were out of touch with the world, were locked inside. There are antique fans and an Indian toilet inside with a bed lamp. Slept on ground without a pillow. Many leave at this point abruptly out of sheer fear, Living alone and the lights are out at 9pm. Obviously, this experience is not for the light hearted. 

Next day morning began with hectic schedule, starting at sunrise and an humble tea, inmates are made to march through the grounds and then served their breakfast at 7am. I was released at 9am and was dropped back at my hotel.

‘Feel the Jail’ : Those who do make it through the 24-hour ordeal often step out with a newfound appreciation for freedom.