Naming Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram

Port Blair to be renamed 'Sri Vijaya Puram', Union Minister Amit Shah informed This choice is harmonizing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intentions to respect Indian history and freedom fight by removing colonial era names. The new name represents the region's historical significance, relating to days over ancient Indian dynasties, and closely linked to Chola dynasty.

Inception of Port Blair and Its Historical Importance

• Blair Island after Archibald Blair, a British naval surveyor who explored the Andaman Islands in the late 1700s.
• Originally it was named as Port Cornwallis and later changed to Blair in honour of Blair.

Andaman meaning: Colonial history of the Andaman Islands

• The East India Company used this island chain as a naval station to ward off pirates.
• After the Revolt of 1857, the British established a penal colony on the islands.

Key Historical Events in Port Blair

• The Cellular Jail, built in 1906, is a symbol of sacrifices made during India's independence fight.
• The Andaman Islands were used as a naval base by Chola emperor Rajendra I in the 11th century.

Debates on the Chola-Srivijaya Conflict

• Scholars debate the reasons for the Chola Empire's attack on Srivijaya, ranging from trade disputes to expansion of influence.