The debate over whether Delhi should be renamed Indraprastha has intensified following a formal proposal by BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah dated February 25, the Chandni Chowk representative highlighted the importance of preserving the identity of our national capital, Delhi, stating that it is only appropriate that the name of the city reflects its true historical roots and cultural legacy.
“I am writing to draw your attention to an issue of profound historical and civilizational importance relating to the identity of our national capital, Delhi. As the capital of one of the world’s oldest civilisations, it is only appropriate that the name of the city reflects its true historical roots and cultural legacy,” Khandelwal said.
Khandelwal said that archaeological excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India strongly support the historical belief that the ancient city of Indraprastha once flourished at the site where Delhi stands today.
“Archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India at Purana Qila have revealed ancient settlement layers dating back to around 1000 BCE, along with Painted Grey Ware pottery associated with the Mahabharata era. These findings strongly support the historical belief that the ancient city of Indraprastha once flourished at the site where Delhi stands today,” he said.
Speaking to ANI, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said that apart from the name change request he has also equested that statues of the five Pandavas be installed at a suitable place in Delhi.
“Any city is named after its culture and civilisation, so that the name reflects the city’s culture and civilisation. Keeping this in mind, I have written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah today requesting that Delhi be named Indraprastha,” he said.
BJP MP Khandelwal said, “If Delhi is named Indraprastha, it directly reflects Delhi’s culture, civilisation, our food habits and our language. Apart from this, I have also requested that statues of the five Pandavas be installed at a suitable place in Delhi so that this flow of culture continues in this manner for generations,” he added.
This development came the day after the Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval to the proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam.
Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Kerala Alteration of Name Bill will be sent to the state assembly for its approval.
The decision comes ahead of the assembly polls in the state, slated for the first half of this year.
