Yesterday, President Droupadi Murmu, announced the renaming of the two important halls of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In an official statement, the President announced the renaming of ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ as-‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’ respectively.
‘Durbar Hall’ Renamed- ‘Ganatantra Mandap’
The Durbar Hall is an important venue of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is a magnificent hall were important ceremonies and celebrations takes place. According to historian Christopher Hussey, “The impact of the Durbar Hall, however approached, is immediate, overwhelming and utterly silencing.” Apart from the hall’s grandeur including the exquisite Belgium glass chandelier which hangs from a height of 33 meters from its ceiling. The hall is a testimony of historic moments including the swearing in ceremony of India’s first government.
It is the same place where C. Rajagopalachari, took oath in 1948, as the governor general of India. It is also the place where the President of India confers the most prestigious honours like Padma Shri etc. to the recipients.
Why No More Durbar Hall?
In a statement the President Secretariat said, ‘Durbar Hall’ is the venue of important ceremonies and celebrations such as the presentation of National Awards. The term ‘Durbar’ refers to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British. It lost relevance after India became a Republic, that is, ‘Ganatantra’. The concept of ‘Ganatantra’ is deeply rooted in Indian society since the ancient times, making ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ an apt name for the venue.
Ashok Hall Renamed To ‘Ashok Mandap’
Once serving as the State Ballroom, “Ashok Hall” at Rashtrapati Bhavan is regarded as one of the most intriguing and ornately decorated spaces in the building. Reportedly, the hall has six Belgium Chandeliers and an assortment of paintings.
These days, it serves as a venue for significant ceremonial events, the credential presentation by foreign mission heads, and a formal setting for the introduction of visiting and Indian delegations before the President’s state banquets get underway.
Why ‘Ashok Mandap’?
The President’s secretariat, stated that the word ‘Ashok’ 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.
Renaming ‘Ashok Hall’ as ‘Ashok Mandap’ brings uniformity in language and removes the traces of anglicisation while upholding the key values associated with the word ‘Ashok’.
Notably, this is not the first time renaming has happened in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Earlier, the Mughal garden was renamed as ‘Amrit Udyan.’ According to the statement issued by the President’s secretariat, “Continuous efforts are being made to make it more accessible to people. There has been a consistent endeavours to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of the Indian cultural values and ethos.”
Furthermore, the renaming has a deep-rooted symbolism for the nation. It emphasises our democratic values, cultural roots and above all it is a clear move towards decolonisation.