Opened in 1881, the Central Jail of Baroda was designed based on the model of Paris Prison and influenced by the panopticon system proposed by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham. This design aimed to create a safe and humane prison environment.
Design and Construction
The Central Jail was constructed at a cost of Rs 6,72,065 and completed between 1881 and 1882. Its design featured cell blocks arranged in radial lines with a central surveillance tower, allowing for constant observation of prisoners. Initially, the jail could accommodate about 600 inmates but was designed to hold up to 1,200. It included solitary cells, a spacious hospital, and housing for jail guards and principal staff.
Reformation of Jails
Before Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s reign, Baroda’s jails were poorly organized, lacked sanitary systems, and frequently suffered from disease and high mortality rates among inmates. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III believed in humane treatment for prisoners and initiated significant reforms to improve conditions.
Innovative Changes
During his reign, the concept of imprisonment evolved from mere confinement to a system focused on rehabilitation. In 1883-84, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III introduced lectures on moral values and good behavior in the jails. Health facilities and educational opportunities were also provided, including a school for young convicts.
Employment and Skills Development
A notable innovation was the introduction of the Baroda Model Farm, where prisoners could work and earn a living, akin to free men. This program aimed to teach handicrafts and skills, providing inmates with opportunities for employment and reducing idleness, a common cause of crime. The jail even produced high-quality carpets, durries, cloth, and cane work, showcasing the skills developed by prisoners.
Legacy
The reforms introduced by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III transformed the prison system into a progressive institution that offered convicts a second chance at life. The Central Jail of Baroda, along with other state institutions, exemplified the Maharaja’s commitment to humane treatment and rehabilitation of prisoners.
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