Two important halls in the President’s House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, have been given new names.
Previously known as Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall, these spaces have been renamed Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap respectively.
Why the Change?
The government says these new names better reflect India’s culture and history.
- Durbar Hall was changed to Ganatantra Mandap because ‘durbar’ is an old word related to kings and British rulers. ‘Ganatantra’ means ‘republic’ in Hindi, which better suits India’s democratic system.
- Ashok Hall became Ashok Mandap to keep the name but use a Hindi word instead of English. ‘Ashok’ is a symbol of peace and unity in Indian culture.
What Happened in These Halls?
- Ganatantra Mandap (formerly Durbar Hall) is where important events like swearing-in ceremonies for the Chief Justice of India take place. It’s a grand hall with a lot of history.
- Ashok Mandap (formerly Ashok Hall) was used for welcoming foreign leaders and hosting special events. It’s a beautiful room with paintings and decorations.
These changes are part of a wider effort to make Rashtrapati Bhavan more connected to India’s heritage and culture.