In a significant move, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the renaming of 17 places across four districts in the state—Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. Among these changes, Aurangzebpur has now been renamed as Shivajinagar, marking a major step in aligning place names with Indian culture and heritage.
Renamed Places in Uttarakhand
As per the state government’s directive, the following locations have been renamed:
| Old Name | New Name |
|---|---|
| Aurangzebpur | Shivajinagar |
| Chandpur | Jyotiba Phule Nagar |
| Khanpur | Shrikrishnapur |
| Mianwala | Ramjiwala |
| Peerwala | Kesarinagar |
| Abdullahpur | Dakshanagar |
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that these changes are inspired by public sentiment and Indian cultural heritage, aiming to honor historical figures who have contributed to the preservation of Indian traditions.
Maharashtra CM on Aurangzeb’s Tomb: “No Glorification Allowed”
Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad, stating that:
- The tomb is a protected monument, but glorification of Aurangzeb will not be permitted.
- Right-wing organizations have been demanding its removal, citing historical grievances.
- Violence erupted in Nagpur over allegations of desecration of sacred inscriptions during a VHP-led protest.
Fadnavis reiterated his government’s commitment to “Indianizing” education, opposing the British-era education system, which he claimed was designed to create subordinates rather than independent thinkers.
Political and Cultural Impact of the Renaming
The renaming of places in Uttarakhand reflects a larger nationwide movement to revise historical narratives and promote indigenous cultural identities. Similar renaming efforts have been seen in:
- Uttar Pradesh (Allahabad to Prayagraj, Faizabad to Ayodhya)
- Madhya Pradesh (Hoshangabad to Narmadapuram)
- Maharashtra (Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)
The move is expected to receive mixed reactions, with some welcoming the decision as a step towards decolonization, while others see it as a political strategy.
Conclusion
The renaming of Aurangzebpur to Shivajinagar and other such places in Uttarakhand marks a significant shift in India’s approach to historical representation. As the debate over historical figures and their legacies continues, more such changes may be expected in the future.
👉 Stay tuned for further updates on historical renaming and political developments!
