BJP MP Advocates for Delhi to Be Renamed Indraprastha in Letter to Amit Shah
In a significant move, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has formally written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the government to rename the national capital, Delhi, as Indraprastha. This proposal comes on the heels of the Centre's recent approval to rename the southern state of Kerala as "Keralam," sparking a broader conversation about historical identity and cultural revival in India.
Historical and Civilizational Arguments for the Name Change
In his detailed letter, Khandelwal argued that the current name "Delhi" reflects only a later phase in the city's history, whereas "Indraprastha" connects it to its ancient civilizational roots dating back to the Mahabharata era. He emphasized that this change would symbolically reconnect modern India's capital with one of humanity's oldest cultural traditions, reinforcing the seat of the world's largest democracy upon a legacy of profound historical significance.
The MP highlighted substantial historical and archaeological evidence linking modern Delhi to the Pandavas' capital described in ancient texts. Excavations at Purana Qila have uncovered settlement layers from around 1000 BCE, along with artifacts that support the city's ancient heritage. Khandelwal stated, "As such, the name 'Delhi' reflects a limited historical period rather than the deeper and more enduring legacy of the city. Restoring the name Indraprastha would therefore reconnect the capital of modern India with its ancient civilizational foundation."
Specific Proposals for Implementation
Khandelwal outlined concrete steps to accompany the renaming, including:
- Renaming Old Delhi Railway Station as "Indraprastha Junction"
- Renaming Indira Gandhi International Airport as "Indraprastha Airport"
- Installing statues of the Pandavas at prominent locations to educate younger generations about the city's historical and cultural significance
He elaborated, "Delhi holds a very special place among India's oldest cultural heritages. It is not merely a metropolis, but has been the centre of Indian civilisation, embodying the traditions of religion, governance, and democracy. Renaming it would reconnect us with our roots and mark the beginning of a new chapter in cultural revival."
Context of Recent Renaming Initiatives
Khandelwal cited examples of other Indian cities that have reclaimed their historical names, such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Kashi. He argued that such steps restore historical justice and strengthen national pride, setting a precedent for Delhi's proposed transformation.
This proposal follows a day after the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved renaming Kerala as 'Keralam.' The move was based on a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly on June 24, 2024, urging the Centre to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution. The assembly had earlier passed a similar resolution in August 2023, but the Ministry of Home Affairs suggested technical changes, leading to its readoption.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The renaming of Kerala has ignited a political controversy, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioning why her state's proposal to rename as "Bangla" remains pending since 2018. The Trinamool Congress has accused the Centre of "vindictive discrimination," highlighting the disparity in handling such requests.
Khandelwal's letter adds to this ongoing debate, positioning the renaming of Delhi as a step toward cultural rejuvenation and historical accuracy. As discussions unfold, this proposal could influence future policies on urban identity and heritage conservation across India, reflecting a growing trend to align modern nomenclature with ancient legacies.
