About: Deolali transit camp

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 during the two world wars served as a prisoner of war camp. 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.