Rashtrapati Bhavan's 'Durbar Hall' and 'Ashok Hall' renamed as Ganatantra Mandap, Ashok Mandap

Indian PresidentDroupadi Murmu, on Thursday (Jul 25), changed the name of two important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) -‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ to‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’ respectively.

Durbar Hall has been the venue of important ceremonies such as presentation of the national awards while Ashok Hall has been used for special events. However, starting Thursday,both will be referred to using their new names so as to reflect Indian cultural values and ethos.

"Rashtrapati Bhavan, the office and the residence of the President of India, is a symbol of the nation, and an invaluable heritage of the people. Continuous efforts are being made to make it more accessible to people. There has been a consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of Indian cultural values and ethos," the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.

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Explaining what prompted the name change, it added that the term 'Durbar' refers to courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and British. However, the term lost relevance after India became a Republic that is "Ganatantra" (in Hindi).

As for the Ashoka Hall, Rashtrapati Bhavan said the move was intended to remove 'traces of anglicisation'.

"Renaming ‘Ashoka Hall’ as ‘Ashok Mandap’ brings uniformity in language and removes the traces of anglicisation while upholding the key values associated with the word Ashok."

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Mughal Gardens rechristened

Notably,in January last year the Mughal Gardens, located at RashtrapatiBhavan was renamed 'Amrit Udyan'- in line with the theme of India's 75th Independence Day celebrations.

"On the occasion of the celebrations of 75 years of Independence as 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', the President of India has given the Amrit Udyan to Rashtrapati Bhavan's Mughal Gardens," Rashtrapati Bhavan said at the time.

The authorities usually open the garden for public viewing for one month, from February to March, when itsflowers are in full bloom.

Similarly, in 2022, the pathway from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the Indian Gate, which was earlier known as Rajpath, was renamed Kartavya Path.

"It symbolises a shift from erstwhile Rajpath being an icon of power to Kartavya Path being an example of public ownership and empowerment," the central government said at the time.

(With inputs from agencies)