Port Blair renamed to 'Shri Vijaya Puram' as part of effort to erase colonial legacy
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The central government has renamed Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to 'Shri Vijaya Puram' in a move aimed at removing colonial influences from India’s landmarks.
The city, previously named after Captain Archibald Blair, a British naval officer of the East India Company, serves as the main entry point to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Home Minister Amit Shah announced the name change on social media platform X, stating, "While the former name carried a colonial legacy, Shri Vijaya Puram represents the victory of our freedom struggle and the unique role the Andaman and Nicobar Islands played in it."
Shah also highlighted the historical significance of the islands, noting their connection to India's freedom movement.
The islands were a naval base for the Chola Empire, and later, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian tricolor there for the first time. The infamous Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar were imprisoned, further cements the islands' place in India’s fight for independence.
This renaming follows other recent changes aimed at eliminating colonial-era references.
In July, Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall were renamed 'Ganatantra Mandap' and 'Ashok Mandap' respectively. Additionally, the Indian Navy discontinued the colonial practice of carrying batons and redesigned its insignia, drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji's seal.