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Indian government has officially renamed Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to "Sri Vijaya Puram."
The Indian government has officially renamed Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to “Sri Vijaya Puram.” This decision, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 13, 2024, aims to eliminate colonial legacies associated with the city’s former name, which was derived from Captain Archibald Blair, a British naval officer.
In a post on X, Amit Shah emphasized that the new name symbolizes the victory achieved during India’s freedom struggle and acknowledges the unique historical significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He stated, “Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands’ unique role in the same.” He further elaborated on the islands’ importance, noting that they served as a naval base during the Chola Empire and played a crucial role in India’s strategic and developmental goals.
Additionally, Shah highlighted significant historical events associated with the islands, including the first unfurling of the Indian flag by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the imprisonment of freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, in the infamous Cellular Jail. The renaming reflects a broader initiative to shed colonial influences and honor India’s rich history and cultural heritage.
