New Delhi: Port Blair has been renamed Sri Vijayapuram . The Modi government has decided to change the name of Port Blair to free it from the colonial impression. Let us know what is the history of Port Blair and why this island was named Port Blair.

Actually, Port Blair was named after Archibald Blair . He was a naval officer of the East India Company. He surveyed the Chagos Islands and the Andaman Islands in 1789. That is why the Port Blair island was named after him.

The most important island for the British was Port Blair

Port Blair was transformed under the supervision of Archibald Blair. The island was made the centre of the British maritime network. Administrative and business activities were monitored from Port Blair.

Port Blair was once a fishing hub. During colonial rule, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were used to keep an eye on distant areas. It was important for the British to capture Port Blair to dominate the eastern Bay of Bengal.

History of the island

Cellular Jail is present in Port Blair, where during the British rule, the British tortured the freedom fighters of the country. The punishment of Kala Pani was also given in this jail. The jail is located at Atlanta Point in the city of Port Blair. This port has Asia's oldest and largest saw mill, which is called Chatham Saw Mill.

What is the purpose behind Amit Shah changing his name?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the name 'Shri Vijayapuram' reflects our struggle for freedom and the contribution of Andaman and Nicobar in it.

In a post on the social media platform X on Friday, it was said that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to free the country from all symbols of slavery, the Home Ministry has decided to rename Port Blair as 'Shri Vijayapuram'. This Indian island has a unique place in the independence and history of our country.

Amit Shah further said, "This island, which played the role of a naval base in the Chola Empire, is today ready to accelerate the security and development of the country. This island is also the place where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first hoisted the tricolor and Veer Savarkar and other freedom fighters fought for the independence of Mother India in Cellular Jail."