Bandar Seri Begawan: City of Many Names

12000 years ago, Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, was known by many names, such as:

- "Kampong Ayer" (Water Village)
- "Barunai" (ancient Sanskrit name)
- "Vijayapura" (ancient Sanskrit name, meaning "City of Victory")

However, the most significant ancient name is:

- "Puri Seri Begawan" (ancient Malay name, meaning "Glorious City" or "Blessed City")

This name was used during the 14th to 16th centuries, when Brunei was a powerful Malay kingdom. The name "Puri Seri Begawan" reflects the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Over time, the name evolved into "Bandar Seri Begawan," which is the current name of the capital city. "Bandar" means "port" or "harbor," "Seri" means "glorious" or "splendid," and "Begawan" means "blessed" or "holy."

@narendramodi visited the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, where he was received by Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin, in Bandar Seri Begawan on 4th Sep 2024.

@RKrana95761500 @MEAIndia