Port Blair Renamed to ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’

Announcement

The Union Home Minister of India recently announced that Port Blair will be renamed as 'Sri Vijaya Puram'.

Port Blair - Key Notes for RAS Exam

Location & Importance

Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located on the east coast of South Andaman Island.

Historical Significance

Named After: Archibald Blair, a British naval surveyor who conducted the first thorough survey of the Andaman Islands.

First Unfurling of the Indian National Flag

The Indian National Flag was first unfurled in Port Blair by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Chola Dynasty Connection

Emperor Rajendra I: The 11th-century Chola emperor used the Andaman Islands as a naval base to attack Srivijaya (modern-day Indonesia).

Ma-Nakkavaram Land

Referred to in the 1050 CE inscription found at Thanjavur, marking the Chola Dynasty's historical significance in the region.

Military Conflict

This invasion marked a rare instance of military conflict between India and Southeast Asia, which otherwise shared strong cultural ties with India.