Two Rashtrapati Bhavan halls renamed as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’

The reference to a ‘durbar’ or ‘court’ lost relevance after India became a republic, or a ‘Ganatantra’, says Rashtrapati Bhavan; adds that the new names are meant to remove traces of anglicisation President Droupadi Murmu has renamed two important halls at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with the Durbar Hall now to be called Ganatantra Mandap — which translates to Republic Hall — and Ashok Hall to be called Ashok Mandap. The Durbar Hall is the venue of key 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,” said a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement. Source:thehindu.com