A significant proposal has been put forth to the Delhi government, advocating for the renaming of the capital city to ‘Indraprastha’. This move, spearheaded by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), aims to reconnect the city with its rich ancient past and cultural heritage.
In a letter addressed to Delhi’s culture minister Kapil Mishra, the VHP has called for the official adoption of the name ‘Indraprastha’, a name deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and historical accounts, particularly the epic Mahabharata, which is believed to refer to modern-day Delhi as Indraprastha.
The VHP’s proposal extends beyond just the city’s name, extending to several prominent landmarks. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) is proposed to be renamed Indraprastha International Airport, the Delhi Railway Station would become Indraprastha Railway Station, and the Shahjahanabad Development Board could be renamed the Indraprastha Development Board.
According to Surendra Kumar Gupta, VHP’s Delhi prant secretary, the name change is crucial for associating the capital with its extensive history. He stated, “Names aren’t mere changes; they mirror a nation’s consciousness. When we say Delhi, we only see a period of 2,000 years. But when we say Indraprastha, we connect with a glorious history spanning 5,000 years.”
Furthermore, the VHP has called for a more balanced representation of the city’s history in heritage walks, suggesting the inclusion of forts, temples, and monuments associated with Hindu rulers. They also propose the integration of figures and sites from the Pandava era into the city’s historical narrative, particularly where memorials to historical invaders exist.
The organization also advocates for the establishment of a grand memorial and a military school in the name of King Hemchandra Vikramaditya, along with incorporating the history of Indraprastha and Hemchandra Vikramaditya into Delhi’s educational curriculum.
These demands stem from discussions and suggestions made by scholars, historians, and public representatives at a recent event titled ‘Indraprastha Punarjagran Sankalp Sabha’ held in Delhi.