The Union Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday (September 13) that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will now be known as Sri Vijaya Puram. The renaming is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to rid India of its colonial legacy. According to Shah, the new name symbolizes the significant role the islands played in the freedom struggle and reflects India’s ancient heritage.
Colonial Past of Port Blair
Port Blair, a gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was originally named after Archibald Blair, a naval officer who conducted extensive surveys of the region during the late 1700s. Blair’s exploration led to the establishment of a penal colony that was used by the East India Company (EIC) to monitor Malay pirates and serve as a safe harbor. Over time, the area became notorious as a place of exile for Indian freedom fighters, especially after the Revolt of 1857, when the British used it to imprison and punish many Indian convicts.
The iconic Cellular Jail, or Kaala Paani, built by 1906, housed freedom fighters like Veer Damodar Savarkar. The city’s colonial history reflects both its strategic importance and its association with the brutalities of British rule.
The Chola Empire’s Connection to Andaman
The name Sri Vijaya Puram draws inspiration from India’s imperial history, particularly its connection to the Chola dynasty. Historical records suggest that the Cholas, a powerful South Indian dynasty in the 11th century, used the Andaman Islands as a naval base for their expeditions across Southeast Asia, including Srivijaya. The Srivijaya Empire, centered in Sumatra, had a close link with the Cholas, especially after the latter’s successful naval campaigns.
A Step Towards Reclaiming Indian Heritage
By renaming Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram, the Indian government aims to honor both India’s freedom struggle and its maritime heritage. The move, driven by Prime Minister Modi’s vision, aims to highlight the islands’ historical significance beyond their colonial past. Amit Shah noted, “While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolizes victory in the freedom struggle and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ unique role in that history.”
This renaming is also a part of broader efforts by the Indian government to restore historical names that reflect India’s ancient civilizations and achievements, gradually eliminating remnants of British colonialism.