Port Blair and it’s historic connections to the chola conquest of Srivijaya

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Last Updated16/09/2024

Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will now be known as ‘Sri Vijaya Puram

Union Minister Amit Shah announced on September 13 that Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will now be called ‘Sri Vijaya Puram.’
The decision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of removing colonial imprints from Indian landmarks.
Shah highlighted that while the previous name had colonial roots, the new name reflects the victory of India’s freedom struggle and the significant role of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Port Blair, the entry point to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was named after Archibald Blair, a naval surveyor of the Bombay Marine. Blair conducted a thorough survey of the Andaman Islands in the late 18th century.
In 1771, Blair began his maritime career and took part in survey missions across India, Iran, and Arabia.
His 1778 expedition from Calcutta to the Andamans led him to discover a natural harbor, which he initially named Port Cornwallis, after Commodore William Cornwallis. Later, the island was renamed after Blair.

The East India Company (EIC) decided to colonize the Andaman Islands to counter Malay pirate activities and provide a refuge for shipwrecked sailors. The island later evolved into a penal colony, where convicts were sent for unpaid labor.
After the Revolt of 1857, Port Blair became a major penal settlement for political prisoners, with many hanged or dying due to harsh conditions.
By 1906, the infamous Cellular Jail, known as Kaala Paani, was established, housing freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar.

Historical records indicate that the Andaman Islands were used as a naval base by the Chola Empire during the 11th century. Rajendra Chola I used the islands to launch attacks on Srivijaya (modern-day Indonesia).
The Cholas referred to the region as Ma-Nakkavaram land, which may have led to the modern name Nicobar.
The Chola invasion of Srivijaya, according to historians like Nilakanta Sastri, could have been motivated by trade disputes or the desire to expand Rajendra’s empire. After the attack, Rajendra I captured Srivijaya’s king and looted treasures, marking a significant historical event for Indian maritime dominance.