The iconic ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the office and residence of the President of India, have been renamed on Thursday to ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’, respectively.
In a statement issued on July 25, the President’s Secretariat on July 25 said, Rashtrapati Bhavan is a symbol of the nation and an invaluable heritage of the people of India.
“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 the Indian cultural values and ethos,” it statement further said.
“Accordingly, President Droupadi Murmu is pleased to rename two of the important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan — ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ — as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’, respectively,” the statement further read.
‘Durbar Hall’ renamed to ‘Ganatantra Mandap’
The magnificent ‘Durbar Hall’ of the Rashtrapati Bhavan bears testimony to the historic moment of the swearing in ceremony of Independent India’s first government.
As per the Rashtrapati Bhavan, ‘Durbar Hall’ which now will be called ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ has the most regal room of the presidential palace. Erstwhile known as the Throne Room, it is also where in 1948 C. Rajagopalachari took oath as the Governor-General of India.
Swearing-in ceremonies of incoming governments, additions to the Council of Ministers and the swearing in of the Chief Justices of India are all conducted at the Durbar Hall.
It also is used to host Civil and Defence Investiture Ceremonies wherein the President of India confers the prestigious honours to the recipients. Also, it is the venue where the presentation of national awards takes place.
Why has Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Durbar Hall been renamed?
“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 ancient times, making ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ an apt name for the venue,” the statement by the President’s Secretariat said.
‘Ashok Hall’ will now be called ‘Ashok Mandap’
‘Ashok Hall’ at the Rashtrapati Bhavan is said to be one of the most fascinating and ornately decorated rooms of Rashtrapati Bhavan and erstwhile used as the State Ballroom.
It is now used for important ceremonial functions, presentation of credentials by Heads of Missions of foreign countries and as a formal place of introductions for the visiting and Indian delegations prior to the commencement of the State Banquets hosted by the President.
Why ‘Ashok Hall’ has been renamed to ‘Ashok Mandap’
“The word ‘Ashok’ connotes someone who is ‘free from all sufferings’ or is ’bereft of any sorrow’,” the statement said.
“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 further said.
The President’s Secretariat said 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’.”
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Rashtrapati Bhavan’s ‘Durbar Hall’ that saw India’s first govt sworn in is now ‘Ganatantra Mandap’
