Liberty Bell

The word liberty assumes great importance in American society and almost in every democratic nation. Liberty bell is iconic symbol of American independence. Unfortunately the liberty that is provided by the constitution in some countries is and has been misused. America though declared independence on July 4^th 1776, the liberty was evasive for certain members of the society till the VRA, (nicknamed voting rights act) was passed on August 6^th 1965.

Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania was the place where the declaration of independence was signed by thirteen states that America had in 1776. In 1752 the bell was ordered to be casted to a firm in England with cast showing the words "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."

 "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."

This was more for religious freedom. The bell weighs over 2080 lbs is made from 70% copper. 20% tin and balance 5% contains lead, zinc, silver, gold, and arsenic. The bell was installed in Philadelphia in 1952 and got cracked when rung for the first time. The bell was recasted twice by two local craftsmen. The first attempt did not give the desired result but the second attempt was successful. The bell would be rung to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens to public meetings and proclamations. The bell was rung on July 8^th 1776 to summon citizens for the first public reading of declaration of Independence. There are many versions, theories about when and how the bell got cracked. Some claim that small bores were kept to allow expansion, while others were critical about the alloy used. The most common story about the bell becoming unringable states that the bell rung for the last time in 1846 on Washington’s Birthday and never thereafter because of expansion of the crack.

Liberty Bell

The bell gained iconic importance after the abolitionists in order to put an end to slavery in America in 1830, adapted it as their symbol. Abolition of slavery was not the only aspect that was associated with Liberty and the symbol. There was denial of voting rights to women in America. Suffragist also adapted a replica of the bell for their agitation. Katherine Ruschenberger, a well known suffragist mentioned in March 1915 that “the original liberty bell announced creation of democracy; the Women’s Liberty Bell will announce the completion of democracy.” And this is how the bell became icon for liberty.

Independence Hall

The bell is owned by the city of Philadelphia and went round the country for expositions and patriotic gatherings. The last such journey of the bell was in 1915. The bell then after remained in the independence hall in Philadelphia. It was moved to glass pavilion in the Independence Mall in 1976. Now from 2003 onwards it’s stationed at Liberty Bell Center, close to earlier location.

 The bell attracts large number of visitors across the world. Many dignitaries have visited this monument. Nelson Mandela quoted, Quote: The Liberty Bell is "a very significant symbol for the entire democratic world." Unquote.

At times I wonder if the British would have allowed casting the bell in England, had they had slightest idea that the same bell would ring the end of their colonial era in America. And if India would ever need such a bell where Hinduism advocates universal brotherhood. Nineteenth century Americans have heard Swami Vivekand in Chicago (in 1893) about this.