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Visual Story of Andaman and Nicobar’s Evolution
This poster captures the unique spatial and political journey of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands—from a remote colonial penal colony to a Union Territory closely linked to India’s freedom struggle and post-independence integration. The islands gained prominence after 1857, when freedom fighters were exiled there, culminating in the construction of the infamous Cellular Jail. Key events such as the Battle of Aberdeen (1859), the assassination of Lord Mayo (1872), and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s flag hoisting in 1943 underscore their historical significance. Post-1947, the islands became a site for rehabilitation of refugees from East Pakistan and were designated a Part D state under direct central rule. Their formal status as a Union Territory was established in 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act.
Spatial Dynamics and District Evolution
The poster presents a map and an alluvial chart tracing the administrative evolution of the islands—from being a single district to the creation of Nicobar district in 1974 and South Andaman in 2006, reflecting efforts at decentralized governance in a geographically dispersed region. It also highlights recent name changes like Ross Island to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep and the renaming of 21 islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees in 2023. Fascinating “Did You Know?” facts reveal that the British once considered transferring the islands to Burma, and Pakistan briefly laid claim to them. These visuals and narratives together showcase the islands’ strategic, political, and symbolic role in India's evolving national story.
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