Port Blair Renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, Honoring History

Why in the news?

Port Blair has been renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram, symbolising India’s efforts to remove colonial legacies and recognizing the Andaman Islands’ historical significance in both India’s freedom struggle and Chola naval history.

About Port Blair Renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram:

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Port Blair’s renaming to Sri Vijaya Puram.
  • Inspired by PM Modi’s vision to eliminate colonial imprints, the new name symbolises Andaman and Nicobar role in India’s freedom struggle.
  • The islands, once a naval base of the Chola Empire, are now key for India’s strategic goals.

Historical Discovery of Port Blair:

  • Port Blair was named after Archibald Blair, a naval surveyor for the East India Company, who conducted the first thorough survey of the islands in
  • Blair’s discovery of a natural harbour led to the establishment of a British base to curb Malay piracy.
  • After the 1857 revolt, it became a penal colony, infamous for the Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters, including Savarkar, were imprisoned.

Chola Empire’s Naval Base and Srivijaya Conquest:

  • Historical records suggest the Chola Empire, under Rajendra I, used the Andaman Islands as a strategic base for an 11th-century attack on the Srivijaya Empire (modern Indonesia).
  • The Chola invasion aimed to extend their influence across Southeast Asia, adding glory to Rajendra I’s reign.
  • Rajendra I’s victory led to the capture of Srivijaya’s king and treasures.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times