Port Blair renamed to 'Shri Vijaya Puram' by Centre

Port Blair renamed to 'Shri Vijaya Puram' by Centre
13 Sep 2024

The central government has announced the renaming of Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to "Shri Vijaya Puram."

The decision was made public by Home Minister Amit Shah via a social media post.

He stated that the new name symbolizes "the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands's unique role in the same."

New name reflects India's freedom struggle: Shah
Symbolic change

In his post, Shah highlighted the significant role of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India's history and freedom struggle.

"The island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for our strategic and development aspirations," he said.

He also mentioned that it was here where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first unfurled Tiranga (Indian flag).

Port Blair's historical significance and colonial past
Historical background

The city, now known as Shri Vijaya Puram, was originally named after Captain Archibald Blair.

Blair was a British colonial navy official from the East India Company who conducted surveys of the Andaman Islands and Chagos Archipelago in 1788-89.

The city is also known for the Cellular Jail National Memorial, a former prison where many freedom fighters were incarcerated during British rule.

Recent changes reflect shift from colonial legacy
Decolonization efforts

This renaming is part of a broader initiative by the Indian government to shed colonial legacies.

In July, Rashtrapati Bhavan's iconic "Durbar Hall" and "Ashok Hall" were renamed "Ganatantra Mandap" and "Ashok Mandap," respectively.

The Centre also ended the practice of carrying batons by all Indian Navy personnel, a tradition rooted in British naval customs.

Additionally, the Indian Navy updated its insignia, drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji's seal.

Previous island renamings in Andaman and Nicobar
Past changes

The decision to rename Port Blair follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2018 initiative to rename three islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island became Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island was changed to Swaraj Dweep.

These changes were made as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's contribution to India's freedom struggle.