Telangana Jail Museum opens with unique ‘Feel the Jail’ experience

The Telangana Jail Museum and ‘Feel the Jail’ experience were inaugurated at the Chanchalguda Prison Complex in Hyderabad. The initiative allows visitors to explore prison history and experience simulated imprisonment while promoting awareness about prison reforms and rehabilitation efforts

Hyderabad: Ever wondered what life is truly like behind the high stone walls and iron bars of a prison? For a fee, people in Hyderabad can now trade their smartphones for prison rations and a stay in a ‘dark room’ at the newly inaugurated Telangana Jail Museum and ‘Feel the Jail’ experience.

Located within the Chanchalguda Prison Complex, the unique initiative, which was officially inaugurated on Tuesday by Governor of Telangana Shiv Pratap Shukla, aims to pull back the curtain on the world of prisons, tracing their evolution from colonial-era punishment to modern rehabilitation.

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The jail museum’s galleries offer a stark look at the 18th and 19th centuries, displaying a grim yet fascinating collection of historical artefacts.

Visitors can view vintage exhibits such as original utensils used by prisoners centuries ago and recreated old-style prison structures, along with heavy machinery once used for manual labour such as flour-grinding stones and handlooms used for turmeric and chilli processing.

The museum also has a gallery focusing on prison administration and management practices, displaying record systems and institutional functioning related to correctional governance and prison operations.

A dedicated gallery featuring paintings by current inmates and students, depicting themes of crime, confinement and hope for redemption, is also part of the experience.

The most unique feature of the launch is the ‘Feel the Jail’ section. For a registration fee, citizens can experience a simulated imprisonment. The facility offers four distinct cell types, including a high-security cell, group cells, a women’s cell and a solitary ‘dark room’.

To ensure authenticity, ‘inmates’ must surrender their mobile phones and follow the prison’s strict schedule, including eating the same standard meals served to the actual prison population.

Speaking on the occasion after the inauguration, Governor Shukla recalled his own experiences while imprisoned in Uttar Pradesh during the Emergency period. He noted that while his time behind bars was difficult, it fuelled his later efforts as a minister to introduce prison reforms.

“Over a period of time, prisons have transformed into correctional centres. The focus is now on returning transformed individuals to society,” the Governor said.

Echoing the sentiment, DG (Prisons) Sowmya Mishra said that the initiative’s primary goal is to strengthen public awareness.

By demystifying the prison system and showcasing reform efforts, the department hopes to reduce social stigma and lower repeat offence rates, the DG (Prisons) added.