New Delhi, February 25: BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the renaming of Delhi to Indraprastha. He believes this change would help restore the city’s ancient identity and cultural heritage.
In his letter, Khandelwal stated that the name Delhi is linked to a relatively recent historical period, while the capital’s original identity has always been Indraprastha. He argued that India is one of the world’s oldest living civilizations, and its national capital should reflect its deep historical and cultural values.
He cited historical literature, archaeological evidence, and civilizational traditions that confirm the current Delhi as the site of ancient Indraprastha, founded by the Pandavas. The epic Mahabharata describes Indraprastha as a prosperous and grand city located on the banks of the Yamuna River, aligning with the geographical features of present-day Delhi.
Khandelwal also noted that excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India at the Old Fort have uncovered evidence of ancient settlements dating back to around 1000 BCE, including remnants of the Painted Grey Ware culture, associated with the Mahabharata era. According to him, these findings strengthen the belief that the ancient Indraprastha is indeed located in present-day Delhi.
The MP suggested that appropriate statues of the Pandavas be erected in a suitable location, possibly within the Old Fort complex, to visibly showcase the capital’s ancient cultural heritage.
Additionally, Khandelwal has sent a separate letter to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, urging her to pass a resolution in the Delhi Assembly supporting the renaming to Indraprastha.
He pointed out that historical names of cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Prayagraj have been restored. Thus, renaming Delhi to Indraprastha would also be a step towards enhancing national pride and cultural continuity.
Khandelwal requested the Home Minister to initiate a formal process in consultation with historians, archaeologists, and other experts regarding this matter. He emphasized that this initiative would further strengthen India’s commitment to honoring and preserving its ancient heritage.
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