On September 13, 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the renaming of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to “Sri Vijaya Puram.” This initiative is part of the Indian government’s broader strategy to remove colonial influences from the nation’s identity, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aspiration to “free the nation from colonial imprints.”
Port Blair was named after Archibald Blair, a British naval surveyor instrumental in the British colonization of the Andaman Islands during the late 18th century. The change to Sri Vijaya Puram aims to acknowledge the historical importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India’s struggle for independence. The new name signifies victory and represents the islands’ distinct contributions to the nation’s history, especially during the independence movement.
Amit Shah underscored that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupy an “unparalleled place” in India’s freedom struggle, referencing significant historical moments such as the initial raising of the Indian flag by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the incarceration of freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar in the notorious Cellular Jail, often referred to as “Kaala Paani.”
Significance of Sri Vijaya Puram
The designation “Sri Vijaya Puram” pays tribute to the historic Sri Vijaya Empire, renowned for its formidable naval influence in Southeast Asia. This association is particularly pertinent, as the Chola Empire, at the zenith of its power, employed the Andaman Islands as a strategic launching point for naval operations against the Srivijaya Empire during the 11th century. The renaming signifies not only a transformation in the historical narrative but also a forward-looking strategy for the islands, which are set to assume a vital role in India’s defense and developmental goals within the Indian Ocean region.
The change of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram is indicative of a larger movement under the Modi administration, which has been proactive in renaming locations tied to colonial legacies. This initiative aims to redefine India’s historical narrative and foster a renewed sense of national pride and identity. Notable previous instances include the renaming of Aurangzeb Road in New Delhi to A P J Abdul Kalam Road and the transformation of Allahabad to Prayagraj, highlighting a trend towards names that reflect India’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
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