Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijayapuram

Why in news?

• Recently, the Central Government has decided to change the name of Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to Sri Vijayapuram.
• This decision reflects the historical and cultural ties of the region, taking inspiration from the ancient Sri Vijaya Empire.

Port Blair

• It is currently the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• In ancient times, it used to be the naval centre of the Chola dynasty.
• During the freedom movement, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the tricolour here for the first time.
• Veer Savarkar was kept in the Cellular Jail located here.
• During the freedom struggle, prominent fighters were kept in Port Blair as a punishment of Kala Pani.

Sri Vijaya Empire

• It was an empire located on the island of Sumatra (Indonesia)
• It reigned between the 7th and 13th centuries
• It was a major trading empire with a powerful naval force.
• It ruled most of Southeast Asia