What's in a name? Port Blair is now called Sri Vijaya Puram

The Indian government has officially announced the renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram, a move aimed at shedding colonial legacies and reconnecting with the nation's historic roots. Expressing the decision, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said: “To rid the nation of the colonial vestiges, we have today decided to rename Port Blair as 'Sri Vijaya Puram'.”

In 2014, he commented on the landslide victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party under Narendra Modi: The Guardian published an editorial remarking: “Today… may well go down in history as the day that Britain finally left India.” The author has carefully read the writing on the wall. The process began in 2014, but Modi outlined it eight years later in his 2022 Independence Day speech, where Modi introduced the concept Panchpran (Five Resolutions) setting out India's vision for the next 25 years. One of the most important resolutions is to rid the country of any remaining “colonial mindset.”

This renaming is not just a symbolic act, but represents a fundamental rethinking of policy-making and the country's role on the global stage. The decision reflects a significant shift in thinking, away from colonial-era thinking towards a renewed emphasis on historical and cultural identity of India.

In keeping with this aim, the Ministry of Home Affairs recently renamed several locations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to honor Indian heroes and freedom fighters. One notable change is the renaming of a hill previously named after the wife of a British army officer as Mount Manipur to commemorate the resistance of Indian fighters sent into exile by the British.

The politics of symbolism

Renaming places is not a new phenomenon; Throughout history, conquerors have imposed their names on cities, often erasing indigenous identity in the process. Similar efforts are also underway in other countries. In the United States, for example, historic sites have been renamed to reflect their original cultural significance, such as Fort San Marcos, which was renamed Castillo de San Marcos to honor its Spanish heritage. Similarly, in China, streets and areas have been renamed to reinforce a national narrative.

For a former colony like India, renaming places is a form of symbolic decolonization. It serves as a means of strengthening a collective memory that honors resistance to oppression and celebrates autonomy. Yes, the decision to rename Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram is a symbolic gesture, but symbolism is not just words without impact. Psychology and history play a role in politics.

This name change is part of India's efforts to reconnect with its maritime history. The Andaman Islands form an important choke point between the Bay of Bengal in the west and the Andaman Sea in the east. This puts it close to the vital Strait of Malacca, the world's second largest oil bottleneck after the Strait of Hormuz.

Long before the oil trade, the islands played an important role in maritime trade. They once served as a base for the Great Chola Empire, which expanded its influence throughout Southeast Asia. In his book The ocean of migrationSanjeev Sanyal emphasizes how the islands were linked to the broader history of maritime trade and the exercise of power in the Indian Ocean. Because of their geographical location, the islands were central to the control of sea routes and were home to thriving port cities that were frequented by traders from across the Bay of Bengal and beyond. The renaming reflects a recognition of the islands' historical and strategic role.

Furthermore, Sri Vijaya Puram plays a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. In the last years of the colonial era, the city was home to the infamous cell prison in which numerous freedom fighters were imprisoned. This place represented not only British oppression, but also the indomitable spirit of those who sought freedom. One such figure, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, foresaw that the islands would be crucial to India's defense.

India is developing the strategic potential of the islands

The 2004 tsunami drew international attention to the vulnerability of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but also demonstrated India's capacity for disaster relief and regional cooperation. Subsequently, India led rescue efforts and introduced a tsunami early warning system to consolidate its role in maritime security.

In recent years, the government has launched major infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the islands into economic and strategic centers. The introduction of undersea fiber optic cables has improved connectivity, while the upgrade of the local airport is expected to boost tourism. Ecotourism initiatives and the expansion of deep-sea ports further underline the growing importance of the islands.

Sri Vijaya Puram is not yet the full-fledged maritime stronghold that Savarkar had envisioned, although India took an important first step in that direction in 2001 when Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee set up the first tripartite theater command in the region. However, the renaming is a declaration of intent. It signals a commitment to India's maritime heritage while underlining ongoing efforts to economically upgrade the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This transformation under the current leadership aims to position the islands as critical assets for India's future.

(Anton Schäuble edited this piece.)

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer's editorial policies.