Key Highlights
- BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal writes to Amit Shah urging Delhi rename to Indraprastha to reflect ancient civilizational roots
- Proposal includes renaming Old Delhi Railway Station to Indraprastha Junction and IGI Airport to Indraprastha Airport
- Similar city renaming precedents include Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata with established constitutional procedures requiring state and central approval
Delhi Rename to Indraprastha Gains Political Momentum
Delhi BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has formally requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Delhi Rename to Indraprastha, citing the capital’s ancient mythological significance and civilizational heritage. The Chandni Chowk constituency representative submitted his proposal on Saturday, marking a significant political push to restore what he terms the city’s “original ancient name” tied to the Mahabharata era.
दिल्ली को मिले उसका प्राचीन और गौरवशाली नाम , “इंद्रप्रस्थ”
— Praveen Khandelwal (@PKhandelwal_MP) November 1, 2025
आज दिल्ली स्थापना दिवस पर, मैंने भारत के गृह मंत्री श्री @AmitShah जी को पत्र लिखकर आग्रह किया है कि हमारी राजधानी को उसके ऐतिहासिक और सभ्यतागत स्वरूप से जोड़ते हुए पुनः “इंद्रप्रस्थ” नाम दिया जाए।
महाभारत काल में… pic.twitter.com/bBuBPQK9tP
The Delhi rename to Indraprastha proposal extends beyond the capital’s nomenclature, encompassing key infrastructure landmarks including Old Delhi Railway Station, which would become Indraprastha Junction, and Indira Gandhi International Airport, proposed for renaming as Indraprastha Airport. Khandelwal’s comprehensive vision includes installing grand statues of the Pandavas at prominent city locations to remind future generations of their values of justice, duty, and righteousness.
This Delhi rename to Indraprastha initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader cultural renaissance vision, under which historic cities like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Prayagraj have successfully reclaimed their traditional names. The proposal represents a growing political movement to shed colonial-era nomenclature in favor of indigenous cultural identities.
Historical Foundation for Delhi Rename to Indraprastha
The Delhi rename to Indraprastha proposal draws substantial support from historical and archaeological evidence linking modern Delhi to the ancient Pandava capital. According to the Mahabharata, Indraprastha was established by the Pandavas on the banks of the Yamuna River as a prosperous, well-planned city symbolizing governance based on principles and ethics.
Archaeological excavations at Delhi’s Purana Qila have uncovered Painted Grey Ware pottery, structural remains, and artifacts dated to the late second millennium BCE and early first millennium BCE, roughly corresponding to the period associated with the Mahabharata era. These findings indicate continuous human settlement in the region and provide grounds for linking Delhi with ancient urban activity potentially contemporary with Indraprastha.
The Archaeological Survey of India has conducted seven rounds of excavations at Purana Qila specifically seeking evidence to establish connections between the area and events described in the Mahabharata. While definitive archaeological confirmation that Purana Qila represents the exact site of legendary Indraprastha remains elusive, the continuity of settlement patterns supports the Delhi rename to Indraprastha historical argument.
Historical records, cultural evidence, and traditional narratives affirm Delhi’s connection to the ancient city, representing principles of dharma, governance, and public welfare that advocates believe justify the Delhi rename to Indraprastha proposal.
Constitutional Framework Governing Delhi Rename to Indraprastha
The Delhi rename to Indraprastha proposal must navigate established constitutional procedures governing city renaming in India. The process begins with a resolution proposed by any Member of Legislative Assembly requesting the name change, followed by legislative discussion examining reasons and potential consequences.
State legislation requires simple majority approval for the Delhi rename to Indraprastha resolution before submission to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The central government scrutinizes proposals based on existing guidelines in consultation with concerned agencies including the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Survey of India, and Registrar General of India.
The Ministry approves proposals after obtaining no-objection certificates from relevant departments, confirming no similar village, town, or city exists with the proposed name. This systematic approach ensures the Delhi rename to Indraprastha proposal receives comprehensive evaluation addressing logistical, administrative, and security considerations.
Previous successful city renaming examples demonstrate constitutional viability for the Delhi rename to Indraprastha initiative. Mumbai (formerly Bombay) changed names in 1995, Chennai (Madras) in 1996, and Kolkata (Calcutta) in 2001, establishing precedent for major metropolitan renaming. These transformations show how cities can successfully reclaim traditional identities while maintaining administrative continuity.
Economic and Cultural Impact Analysis of Delhi Rename to Indraprastha
The Delhi rename to Indraprastha proposal carries significant economic implications requiring careful consideration of implementation costs and benefits. City renaming typically costs hundreds of crores for updating signage, maps, stationery, and business branding across public and private sectors.
However, proponents argue the Delhi rename to Indraprastha transformation could boost cultural tourism substantially. Delhi currently attracts millions of domestic and international visitors annually, with tourism statistics showing 8.59 million foreign tourist visits and 1,731.01 million domestic tourist visits in 2022. The ancient name connection could enhance the capital’s appeal as a heritage destination, potentially increasing tourist numbers and revenue.
Cultural preservation represents another economic benefit of the Delhi rename to Indraprastha initiative. Tourism often provides incentives for protecting historical sites and cultural traditions, generating funds for conservation efforts. By emphasizing Delhi’s civilizational roots, the renaming could strengthen cultural consciousness and inspire youth to connect with India’s glorious heritage.
The Delhi rename to Indraprastha proposal also promises enhanced national pride and cultural identity. As Khandelwal noted, adopting the name Indraprastha would allow Delhi to emerge as a spiritual, cultural, and civilizational symbol of Bharat, strengthening national consciousness while honoring the city’s historical significance. This cultural renaissance aligns with broader governmental efforts to revive ancient Indian traditions and values across multiple sectors.
Conclusion: Delhi Rename to Indraprastha Reflects Broader Cultural Revival
The Delhi rename to Indraprastha proposal represents more than symbolic change, embodying India’s systematic effort to reclaim civilizational identity through constitutional processes. While historians debate archaeological evidence and implementation challenges, the initiative reflects growing political consensus supporting cultural renaissance over colonial legacy preservation.
The Delhi rename to Indraprastha momentum demonstrates how traditional names can coexist with modern metropolitan functions, as evidenced by successful precedents in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Whether this proposal advances through legislative channels will depend on comprehensive evaluation of historical claims, economic implications, and public sentiment toward honoring ancient heritage.
As India continues embracing its civilizational roots, the Delhi rename to Indraprastha debate highlights ongoing tensions between preserving plural historical identities and emphasizing singular cultural narratives in contemporary governance.
