Port Blair will be known as Sri Vijaya Puram from now

New Delhi: Indian government has officially renamed Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to 'Sri Vijaya Puram' in a bid to erase colonial influences. Port Blair, which served as a significant entry point for the archipelago, was originally named after Captain Archibald Blair, a British naval officer associated with the East India Company.

Home Minister Amit Shah announces renaming

Home Minister Amit Shah announced the name change via a post on X, emphasizing the symbolic shift from the colonial past to a new identity. Shah stated, "While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolizes the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' unique role in it."

Historical significance and strategic importance

Shah further highlighted the historical and strategic importance of the islands. "The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in our freedom struggle and history. The island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be a crucial base for our strategic and development goals," he said.

The city is renowned for the Cellular Jail National Memorial, a site of significant historical importance where many freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were imprisoned. Shah also recalled that the islands were the location of the first unfurling of the Indian flag by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Recent government efforts to Erase Colonial Legacy

This renaming initiative follows other recent efforts to shed colonial legacies. In July, the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s 'Durbar Hall' and 'Ashok Hall' were renamed 'Ganatantra Mandap' and 'Ashok Mandap,' respectively, to better reflect Indian cultural values. Additionally, the Indian Navy has ceased the practice of carrying batons and updated its insignia to one inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji's seal.