Port Blair Renamed Shri Vijayapuram: A Move to Shed Colonial Legacy

Historical Significance of Port Blair

Port Blair, previously named after Captain Archibald Blair, a British colonial navy official of the East India Company, has long served as the entry point to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The renaming of the city to Shri Vijayapuram marks a shift away from its colonial past, emphasizing India’s rich heritage and the sacrifices made during the freedom movement.

Home Minister’s Announcement

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the renaming via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to free the nation from colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as ‘Shri Vijayapuram’. While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Shri Vijayapuram symbolizes the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and highlights the unique role of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in that journey.”

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

Mr. Shah also highlighted the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ historical significance, referencing its connection to the naval base of the Chola Empire and its current strategic importance to India’s development aspirations.

Symbol of India’s Freedom Struggle

The renaming of Port Blair to Shri Vijayapuram is also a tribute to the island’s pivotal role in India’s independence movement. The islands hold great significance as the site where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first hoisted the Indian national flag, and they house the infamous Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were imprisoned during the colonial era.

A Broader Move to Erase Colonial Influence

This renaming is part of a broader initiative by the Indian government to remove colonial references from key national landmarks. In 2018, Prime Minister Modi renamed three prominent islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago:

Ross Island became Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.
Neil Island was renamed Shaheed Dweep.
Havelock Island was renamed Swaraj Dweep.

Additionally, the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s iconic halls—Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall—were recently renamed Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, further reflecting India’s cultural values.

Strategic Importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Beyond its historical significance, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, now home to Shri Vijayapuram, play a crucial role in India’s strategic and defense planning. The region is poised to become a critical base for India’s military and development objectives, given its position in the Indian Ocean.

With this renaming, the government continues its mission to shed colonial legacies and honor the contributions of key figures and places in India’s fight for freedom. Shri Vijayapuram stands as a symbol of India’s triumph and resilience.