New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has appealed to the Central government to change the name of Delhi to 'Indraprastha,' asserting that the current name reflects only a more recent historical context. In contrast, Indraprastha signifies the capital's authentic civilizational legacy.

In his correspondence to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Khandelwal, who represents Chandni Chowk in the Lok Sabha and holds the position of National General Secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), urged the government to contemplate this name change for the national capital. He stated that such a decision would restore the historical and cultural significance of India’s capital city.

Furthermore, Khandelwal proposed the installation of statues of the Pandavas at an appropriate location in Delhi, likely at Purana Qila, to honor and celebrate the city’s ancient heritage.

In a different letter to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, he called upon the state government to support this name change by passing a resolution in the Delhi Assembly.

Emphasizing India’s rich civilizational heritage, Khandelwal remarked that India is home to one of the oldest surviving civilizations globally, and the name of its national capital should reflect its profound historical and cultural roots.

He pointed out that historical texts, archaeological discoveries, and enduring traditions indicate that modern-day Delhi is thought to be the location of the ancient Indraprastha, the splendid capital constructed by the Pandavas as narrated in the epic Mahabharata. The Mahabharata describes Indraprastha as a thriving and magnificent city situated along the banks of the Yamuna River, closely resembling the geographical characteristics of contemporary Delhi.

Khandelwal further referenced excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Purana Qila, which have revealed evidence of ancient settlements dating back to around 1000 BCE. These findings include artifacts from the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture, typically associated with the Mahabharata epoch. He expressed that these discoveries bolster the belief that ancient Indraprastha was located at the same site as today’s Delhi.

He contended that the name Delhi was adopted relatively late, during the medieval era, and correlates with terms like Dhillika or Dehli. However, he argued that the origins of this name remain ambiguous and fail to adequately reflect the city’s deeper civilizational identity.

“Indraprastha epitomizes the original civilizational identity of the capital, whereas Delhi represents a later historical period. Renaming the capital as Indraprastha would reconnect India with its ancient heritage and enhance cultural continuity,” Khandelwal stated.

Moreover, he noted that several Indian cities have recently reclaimed their historical names, such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Prayagraj, reflecting a broader initiative to preserve India’s cultural heritage.

Khandelwal asserted that the name Indraprastha is already prevalent in numerous prominent institutions and locations across Delhi, signifying its acceptance among the populace.

He characterized the proposed renaming as a significant step toward reaffirming the civilizational identity of India’s capital, fostering national pride, and effectively showcasing the country’s ancient heritage to the global community.

Khandelwal urged Home Minister Amit Shah to commence a formal process regarding this proposal in consultation with historians, archaeologists, and other specialists.

He asserted that this initiative would not only rectify a historical discrepancy but also reinforce our dedication to honoring and preserving the legacy of India’s remarkable civilization.