Port Blair- the Capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is located in which Island?
VerifiedAnswer: South Andaman
Explanation:
Port Blair, the capital city of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is strategically located on South Andaman Island. This bustling administrative center serves as the gateway to the beautiful archipelago and is the largest city in the entire island chain.
South Andaman is one of the three main islands that form the Great Andaman group, along with Middle Andaman and North Andaman. The city of Port Blair was established by the British in 1858 and was named after Archibald Blair, a naval surveyor who conducted extensive surveys of the area in the late 18th century.
The choice of South Andaman as the location for the capital was quite practical. The island offers several natural advantages that made it ideal for establishing an administrative center. It has a naturally protected harbor, which facilitates maritime transportation and trade. The terrain is relatively suitable for urban development, and the island's position provides good connectivity to other parts of the archipelago.
Today, Port Blair serves multiple important functions beyond being just the capital. It houses the Veer Savarkar International Airport, which is the main entry point for tourists and travelers visiting the islands. The city is also home to significant historical sites, including the infamous Cellular Jail, which played a crucial role during India's freedom struggle and now stands as a national memorial.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of over 570 islands, but only about 37 are inhabited. South Andaman, being the most developed among them, naturally became the administrative hub. The island's infrastructure includes government offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and commercial establishments that serve not only the local population but also the entire union territory.
From a geographical perspective, South Andaman is located approximately 1,200 kilometers southeast of the Indian mainland. The island enjoys a tropical climate and is surrounded by pristine waters of the Bay of Bengal. Its strategic location in the Indian Ocean has made it historically significant for trade routes and naval operations, which continues to influence its importance today as both an administrative center and a tourist destination.
