Page "Andaman Islands" Paragraph 4

At the close of the Second World War the British government announced its intention to abolish the penal settlement.

The government proposed to employ former inmates in an initiative to develop the island's fisheries, timber, and agricultural resources.

In exchange inmates would be granted return passage to the Indian mainland, or the right to settle on the islands.

The penal colony was eventually closed on August 15, 1947 when India gained its independence.

It has since served as a museum to the independence movement.