Deolali transit camp

Deolali transit camp
Near Deolali, Maharashtra in India
Site information
TypeTransit camp, army depot
OwnerIndia
OperatorIndian Army
Location
Coordinates19°53′28″N 73°49′27″E / 19.89111°N 73.82417°E / 19.89111; 73.82417
Site history
Built1861
Built byBritish Army

Deolali transit camp was a British Army transit camp in Maharashtra, India. Established in 1861, the camp remained in use throughout the time of the British Raj. It served to house soldiers newly arrived in the country and those awaiting ships to take them to Britain. It also housed a military prison and served as a prisoner of war camp during the First and Second World Wars. Conditions in the camp were said to be poor especially for those stationed there for long periods and the term "doolally" became associated with mental illness. The camp was transferred to the Indian army following the independence of India.