Rashtrapati Bhavan Halls Renamed To 'Remove Traces Of Anglicisation': Ganatantra Mandap Replaces Durbar Hall, Ashok Term Retained

President Droupadi Murmu, on Thursday (25 July), announced the renaming of two of the important halls of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall will now be known as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap respectively.

Durbar Hall is the venue of important ceremonies and celebrations such as the presentation of National Awards. The name was changed because the term 'Durbar' refers to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British.

The term lost relevance after India became a Republic, which is known as 'Gantantra'. Highlighting the deep-rootedness of the concept of 'Ganatantra' in Indian society, the President considered Ganatantra Mandap an apt name.

Ashok Hall was originally a ballroom. Explaining the word 'Ashok', the press release said, it "connotes someone who is 'free from all sufferings' or is 'bereft of any sorrow'. Also, Ashoka refers to Emperor Ashok, a symbol of unity and peaceful co-existence."

"The National Emblem of the Republic of India is the lion capital of Ashok from Sarnath. The word also refers to the Ashok tree which has deep significance in Indian religious traditions as well as arts and culture," it added.

'Ashok Hall' was renamed as 'Ashok Mandap' to bring uniformity in language and remove the traces of anglicisation while upholding the key values associated with the word 'Ashok', as per the release.

The renaming is being considered as a part of the continuous efforts to make Rashtrapati Bhavan more accessible to people. Making the ambiance of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of the Indian cultural values and ethos is also underway.