Ross Island

About Ross Island

Ross Island, now officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, is a small island located near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Once the administrative headquarters for the British in the Andaman Islands, it's a poignant reminder of India's colonial past. Today, the island stands as an evocative ruin, its crumbling British-era buildings - including a church, hospital, bakery, and officers' quarters - slowly being reclaimed by nature, particularly by the sprawling roots of ficus trees. Visitors can explore these historical remnants, stroll through the vibrant green landscapes, and observe a variety of wildlife, including peacocks and deer, that roam freely. The island offers a serene and somewhat melancholic beauty, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

History

Ross Island served as the administrative headquarters of the British during their rule in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 1858 until 1941. It was home to a vibrant colonial settlement, complete with all the amenities required by British officers and their families, including a church, hospital, printing press, bakery, and a elaborate water purification plant. The island also housed a penal colony, and many Indian freedom fighters were interned here. During World War II, the island was occupied by the Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945, who left their own marks, including bunkers. After the war, the British reoccupied the island, but it was eventually abandoned after a devastating earthquake in 1941. Since then, nature has slowly taken over, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape where historical ruins are intertwined with dense tropical vegetation. The island was renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island in 2018 in honor of the freedom fighter.