The Renaming of Port Blair
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has undergone a significant transformation with its renaming to Sri Vijaya Puram. This change is an integral part of the Indian government’s initiative to remove colonial legacies from the country’s history. The city was originally named after Archibald Blair, a British naval officer, which highlighted its colonial past.
A Historical Context
Historically, Port Blair served as a strategic base for the British East India Company. The city is also notorious for being a penal colony, housing political prisoners in the infamous Cellular Jail during the British rule. This dark chapter in Indian history remains a reminder of the struggles faced by those who fought for independence. The decision to rename the city to Sri Vijaya Puram is a step towards reclaiming its heritage.
Connection to the Chola Dynasty
The new name, Sri Vijaya Puram, connects the city to the illustrious imperial Chola dynasty. Historical records indicate that the Chola Emperor Rajendra I utilized the Andaman Islands as a strategic base for his naval expeditions against the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia during the 11th century. This rich historical background not only enhances the significance of the new name but also imbues the location with pride, heritage, and historical importance.
