Union Minister Amit Shah recently announced that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’. This decision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of removing colonial-era names and honoring India’s rich history, particularly its freedom struggle and ancient empires. The new name reflects the region’s historical connection to the Chola dynasty and other ancient Indian influences.
The Origin of the Name ‘Port Blair’
Port Blair was named after Archibald Blair, a British naval surveyor who explored the Andaman Islands in the late 18th century. Initially, the area was called Port Cornwallis, after Commodore William Cornwallis, another British naval officer. Later, it was renamed to honor Blair after he completed a thorough survey of the region.
Colonial History of the Andaman Islands
The British East India Company saw the Andaman Islands as a strategic military location and a safe harbor against pirates. Following the Revolt of 1857, the British established a penal colony on the islands, where many Indian freedom fighters, including notable figures like Veer Savarkar, were imprisoned.
One of Port Blair’s most significant landmarks is the Cellular Jail, also known as “Kaala Paani.” Built in 1906, it became infamous for the harsh treatment of prisoners, especially Indian freedom fighters. The jail has since become a symbol of the immense sacrifices made during India’s independence movement.
Historical Significance of the Andaman Islands
Historical evidence suggests that the Chola emperor Rajendra I used the Andaman Islands as a naval base during the 11th century for his expedition against the Srivijaya Empire, located in present-day Indonesia. At that time, the islands were known as Ma-Nakkavaram, which is believed to have influenced the modern name Nicobar.
The Chola-Srivijaya Conflict
The conflict between the Chola Empire and the Srivijaya Empire has been a topic of scholarly debate. Some scholars suggest that the war was driven by trade disputes, as the Srivijaya Empire controlled important maritime routes. Others view it as part of the Chola dynasty’s effort to expand its influence in Southeast Asia. This interaction between the two empires led to both military and cultural exchanges, marking a significant chapter in India’s history of overseas engagement.
The renaming of Port Blair to ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’ is a way to celebrate India’s ancient history while distancing itself from its colonial past, emphasizing the cultural and historical ties that the region shares with ancient Indian empires.
