Erasing Colonial Imprints, City After City

India is the only thriving civilisation that has been subjected to centuries of political slavery and cultural servitude. Invaders, both Islamic and English, have understood that they could achieve political control over this land only by destroying its cultural foundations, either by force or influence. Despite facing centuries of cultural and socio-economic exploitation, Bharat’s culture is still thriving and is on a path of resurgence. The Government of India has embarked on a mission to rectify the remnants of colonial influence by promoting national and cultural pride through various initiatives. These efforts aim to foster a renewed sense of self-identity and sovereignty. The renaming of Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ capital Port Blair, which is named after Captain Archibald Blair who is a British colonial navy official, to Sri Vijayapuram is a fitting tribute to the mighty Chola dynasty and our freedom movement. Apart from it being a strategic naval base for Rajendra Chola to carry out his naval expeditions against Sri Vijaya which is present day Indonesia, this was the place that hosted the first unfurling of our tricolour flag by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.For India, decolonisation is more than a historical necessity—it is an ongoing quest to reclaim and reassert its cultural identity, heritage, and autonomy after centuries of colonial domination. One prominent way the Government of India is addressing the colonial legacy is through the renaming of cities and landmarks that bear the marks of colonial rule. For instance, in 2018, the Uttar Pradesh government reverted Allahabad to Prayagraj, which was its original name before the Mughal rulers renamed it. Similarly, Maharashtra's Aurangabad city was renamed 'Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar' and Osmanabad city was renamed 'Dharashiv' reflecting its Marathi roots. These changes are symbolic yet significant steps in erasing colonial imposition and restoring native identities..In addition to renaming places, the Indian government is also investing in cultural infrastructure to bolster national pride and educate citizens about their heritage. One notable example is the establishment of cultural centers that promote traditional Indian art forms, languages, and histories across seven zones in India. Furthermore, the erection of grand statues of national icons has become a symbolic gesture in the decolonisation efforts. The Statue of Unity in Gujarat, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands as a monumental tribute to the leader who played a pivotal role in India's independence and unity. Similarly, the recently inaugurated Adi Sankaracharya’s statue in Madhya Pradesh commemorates the contributions of a key cultural figure. These statues are more than mere physical structures, they represent a reaffirmation of India's historical narrative and a reclaiming of cultural pride from the shadows of colonial subjugation.While the Government of India has made commendable strides through its endeavours, the journey towards a fully decolonised society requires active and ongoing engagement from its citizens. One effective way for citizens to contribute is by participating in discussions and forums that focus on historical and cultural education. Schools, universities, and community organisations can organise seminars, workshops, and debates to explore the impact of colonialism and the importance of decolonisation. Such platforms allow for a deeper analysis of colonial remnants and help in cultivating a more informed and engaged populace. By fostering awareness and encouraging dialogue about colonial remnants, individuals can contribute to a more profound and enduring transformation. The collective efforts of both the government and the people will ensure that we fully embrace our post-colonial identity, grounded in our rich heritage and sovereign future, thereby putting India first.