The oldest and most famous jail in Himachal Pradesh is located in the Solan district, in a place known as Dagshai. Built by the British in 1847, this jail holds great historical significance. In this blog, we will explore why it is famous, how it was constructed by the British government, and its importance during the British period. We will also discuss how Shri Mahatma Gandhi ji and his assassin, Nathuram Godse, were kept in the same jail. During the British era, no one thought of visiting this place, but today it attracts large numbers of tourists. This blog will also guide you on how to reach Dagshai and provide all the important details about this historic site.
As we know, Dagshai is located in the Solan district and is a hill cantonment town. It is situated at an elevation of 5,689 feet (1,734 meters) above sea level, according to government-approved data. The geographical coordinates of Dagshai are 📍 Latitude: 30.88452890196333 and 📍 Longitude: 77.05173249509569. Although it is not the highest peak in the Solan district , the scenic landscape view from the top of Dagshai will surely make your day. The total area of Dagshai cantonment is 821.7793 acres.
The population of Dagshai town is growing, but not rapidly, due to limitations in housing and land availability. According to the 2011 Census, the population was 2,904, and the projected population for 2025 is approximately 4,100. It is a very small town, known for its warm and welcoming people.
The town of Dagshai was planned by the British government in 1847. The name “Dagshai” is believed to have originated from the Hindi words “Daag-e-Shahi,” which means “mark of the government.” According to local belief, criminals were once branded here during the Mughal period, and over time, the name evolved into Dagshai. In 1850, the Dagshai Jail was built by the government of that time. The jail holds great historical importance because it housed Indian freedom fighters and soldiers who revolted against British rule, especially during the 1857 First War of Independence.
The great Indian freedom fighter, Shri Mahatma Gandhi Ji, also spent a night in Dagshai. He was not arrested by the British government; instead, he voluntarily went to Dagshai Jail in 1920 to support Irish soldiers who were punished by the British for standing up for their country’s freedom. Gandhi Ji was not a prisoner, and the cell in which he stayed is a VIP cell, not a numbered cell. In 1948, Nathuram Godse was kept overnight in Cell No. 6 of Dagshai Jail while being taken under heavy security to Shimla for trial after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
Dagshai town was very important to the British government. They chose Dagshai primarily for its strategic location and healthy climate. Situated at a high altitude, the town offered a cool and disease-free environment, which was ideal for British troops, especially at a time when illnesses were common in the plains. Its elevation also provided strong defensive advantages and clear views of the surrounding region. As a result, the town became an important military cantonment and served as a training center for British soldiers. After 1850, the British government began developing infrastructure in the town, including churches, schools, barracks, roads, and administrative buildings. Most of these buildings still exist today and reflect colonial architecture. For example, St. Patrick’s Church in Dagshai, built in 1853, is still in good condition.
When we compare Dagshai with other hill stations such as Kasauli and Shimla, we find that Dagshai town is far less crowded. It is ideal for people who are looking for a calm and peaceful place to relax and experience nature up close.