BJP Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal has formally requested that Union Home Minister Amit Shah consider renaming Delhi as Indraprastha. This appeal comes on the heels of the Union Cabinet’s recent endorsement of a name change for Kerala to ‘Keralam’. In his correspondence, Khandelwal posited that the name ‘Delhi’ is rooted in a more recent historical context, while ‘Indraprastha’ would emphasize the city’s deep civilizational heritage.

Connection to Ancient Heritage

Khandelwal articulated that the name ‘Delhi’ signifies a narrow span of history and does not reflect the city’s ancient roots. By adopting the name Indraprastha, he believes it would forge a link to the historical foundations of the capital of modern India, showcasing its significance as the seat of the world’s largest democracy intertwined with some of humanity’s oldest cultural narratives.

He cited archaeological findings, including those from Purana Qila, which have indicated human settlements dating back to around 1000 BCE, asserting that these discoveries validate the ancient legacy of the city.

Specific Proposals for Cultural Revival

In his letter, Khandelwal proposed several initiatives related to the potential name change, such as renaming the Old Delhi Railway Station to “Indraprastha Junction” and Indira Gandhi International Airport to “Indraprastha Airport.” He also suggested erecting statues of the Pandavas in key locations throughout the city to educate future generations about its historical and cultural importance.

Khandelwal emphasized that Delhi is not just a major urban center, but has been a pivotal part of Indian civilization, embodying rich traditions of governance and democracy.

Precedents in Name Changes

While advocating for the renaming of Delhi, Khandelwal drew comparisons to other Indian cities that have adopted historical names, such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Kashi. He argued that these name changes serve to restore historical justice and bolster national pride.

The appeal for renaming is poised against the backdrop of recent events, particularly the impending cultural and political discussions related to name changes across various regions in India.

Political Context of Kerala’s Name Change

The timing of this proposal is significant as the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Modi, recently approved Kerala’s transition to the name ‘Keralam.’

The decision follows a resolution passed unanimously by the Kerala Assembly on June 24, 2024, which requested an amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution to reflect this name change. This request had been reiterated after a previous resolution in August 2023, during which technical changes recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs delayed the process.

Responses from Other Political Leaders

The move to rename Kerala has ignited political discussions, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioning why her state’s proposal remains unaddressed.

The Trinamool Congress party has alleged that the central government is engaging in “vindictive discrimination,” highlighting West Bengal’s continuous requests since 2018 to be renamed ‘Bangla.’ The ongoing discourse reflects broader sentiments regarding identity and heritage in the context of India’s cultural and political landscape.

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