Port Blair Renamed to Sri Vijaya Puram in a Move to Erase Colonial Legacy

The Central Government announced on Friday that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will now be known as Sri Vijaya Puram. Home Minister Amit Shah revealed the change on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the new name aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to remove colonial imprints from India’s history. Shah explained that Sri Vijaya Puram symbolizes the victory achieved during India’s freedom struggle and honors the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ unique role in that movement.

Historical Context Behind the Name Change

The former name, Port Blair, was derived from Lieutenant Archibald Blair, a British naval officer in the 18th century. Blair played a significant role in the British colonization of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, helping to establish the islands as a key part of the British Empire's maritime network. The penal colony established in 1789 on Chatham Island, which later became Port Blair, was named in his honor due to his contributions to British colonial administration and exploration in the region.

Significance of Sri Vijaya Puram

The renaming reflects a broader effort to honor the historical significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India’s freedom struggle. Amit Shah highlighted that the islands were the site of notable events such as the first unfurling of the Indian flag by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the notorious Cellular Jail where many freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were imprisoned. The new name, Sri Vijaya Puram, pays tribute to these historical milestones and acknowledges the islands’ strategic and developmental importance for India.

Recent Changes in Indian Administration

This renaming follows other recent moves by the government to replace colonial-era symbols. For instance, Rashtrapati Bhavan’s 'Durbar Hall' and 'Ashok Hall' were recently renamed to reflect Indian cultural values. Additionally, the Indian Navy has discontinued the practice of carrying batons and updated its insignia to reflect Indian heritage.

Future Prospects and Projects

The announcement of Sri Vijaya Puram’s new name coincides with ongoing developments in the region, including a significant ₹72,000 crore project by the Centre. While there are concerns about the impact on the indigenous Shompen tribe, the local administration has assured that the project area does not overlap with the Shompens' current habitat. Moreover, the renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram marks a significant step in reshaping India’s post-colonial identity, celebrating the nation's independence, and honoring its historical heroes.

Inspired by the vision of PM @narendramodi Ji, to free the nation from the colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as "Sri Vijaya Puram."

While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle…— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 13, 2024