The Government of India has renamed Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to Shri Vijaya Puram. The announcement, made by Home Minister Amit Shah, is part of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to “free the nation from colonial imprints” and reflects India’s rich history and freedom struggle.
The rationale behind Port Blair New Name
Port Blair, historically known as the entry point to the scenic Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was named after Captain Archibald Blair, a British naval officer of the East India Company, who played a key role in the British colonization of the islands. The city, long seen as a reminder of India’s colonial history, will now carry a name deeply connected to the nation’s freedom struggle and the legacy of the islands’ historical significance.
The new name, Shri Vijaya Puram, is intended to symbolize the victory of India’s fight for independence and the unique role the Andaman and Nicobar Islands played in that journey. Announcing the change on social media, Amit Shah explained, “While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Shri Vijaya Puram symbolizes the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands’ unique role in the same.”
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold a special place in India’s history, not only as a former British naval base but also for their significance during India’s fight for independence. The islands were once a strategic hub of the Chola Empire, further emphasizing their historical relevance beyond the colonial period.
Additionally, the infamous Cellular Jail in Port Blair, now a National Memorial, serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed against freedom fighters. Leaders such as Veer Savarkar and many others were imprisoned in the jail, which became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice. Amit Shah highlighted this, stating, “It is the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the jail where freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar struggled for an independent India.”
A New Era for Andaman and Nicobar Islands
This renaming is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to remove colonial vestiges across the country. In recent months, several other historically significant places and symbols of British influence have been renamed. For instance, in July 2023, Rashtrapati Bhavan’s iconic Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall were renamed as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, respectively, to reflect Indian cultural values. Similarly, the Indian Navy recently made a move to end the use of batons by its personnel and changed its insignia to one inspired by the seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji, replacing colonial symbols.
The renaming of Port Blair marks a new era for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, further enhancing their significance as a critical base for India’s strategic and development aspirations. In addition to their historical importance, the islands now play a pivotal role in India’s defense and economic growth, standing as a key strategic hub in the Indian Ocean region.
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