Across the globe, countries are increasingly renaming landmarks tied to colonial histories. This growing movement reflects a desire to reclaim cultural identities and shed the lingering symbols of colonial rule. Malaysia, India, and Singapore are among the nations leading the way in replacing colonial names with those reflecting local heritage, culture, and history.
Malaysia’s Efforts in Decolonization
Malaysia has taken significant steps to rename landmarks and streets, choosing names of native origin that align with the country’s culture and history. A prime example is the renaming of Mountbatten Road to Jalan Tun Perak in 1981. Initially called Java Street in 1889 and later Mountbatten Road in 1946 in honor of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, the name now celebrates Tun Perak, a prominent statesman from the Malacca Sultanate.
Prof. Datuk Dr. Ahmad Murad Merican, an expert in Social and Intellectual History, explained that colonial names “erase the history of a place that has existed for so long,” making renaming an important act of reclaiming identity. Other changes include the renaming of Foch Avenue to Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock in 1982 and Batu Road to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in 1974, reflecting a wider desire to honor local figures and heritage.
India: Reclaiming Indigenous Heritage
India, once the crown jewel of the British Empire, continues to remove colonial names that were imposed to erase indigenous cultures and histories. A significant example is the renaming of “Allahabad” to “Prayagraj” in 2018, recognizing the Hindu sacred confluence near the city. Similarly, “Bombay” was renamed to “Mumbai” in 1995 to honor the local goddess Mumbadevi.
More recently, on September 14, 2024, the Indian government renamed Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram to honor the region’s historical significance during India’s freedom struggle. Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the symbolic importance of this change in recognizing local freedom fighters.
Singapore’s Balancing Act
In contrast to Malaysia and India, Singapore takes a more measured approach to colonial place names. Though not widely renamed, there have been calls to reconsider colonial-era names as the nation navigates its colonial legacy alongside its modern multicultural identity. Raffles Place, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, remains a key symbol of this debate. While some recognize his contributions to Singapore’s development, critics argue that retaining colonial symbols perpetuates a colonial mindset.
Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee, emphasized that the country acknowledges, but does not glorify, its colonial history, a sentiment echoed by many Singaporeans. Despite ongoing discussions, the government has shown little interest in renaming or removing colonial landmarks, viewing them as integral to the nation’s complex past.
The Importance of Renaming
Research shows that colonizers often renamed landmarks to assert control and rewrite the history of occupied territories. By replacing indigenous names with colonial ones, they erased local languages and traditions. Today, nations are actively reclaiming their heritage by renaming places to honor local figures and preserve cultural identity.
These efforts go beyond mere symbolism, forming part of a broader decolonization movement. They signify a reclaiming of history, pride, and identity for previously colonized peoples, helping heal the wounds of the past.
A Global Movement
From Malaysia’s renaming of colonial streets to India’s assertion of indigenous heritage in its cities and Singapore’s debate over colonial legacy, the movement to replace colonial names is gaining momentum. This shift represents a global effort to move beyond colonial histories and establish national identities that more closely resonate with local cultures and traditions today.
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