Praveen Khandelwal calls for renaming Delhi as ‘Indraprastha’ to honour ancient heritage

New Delhi: BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has urged the central government to rename the national capital Delhi as “Indraprastha”, citing its deep-rooted civilisational and cultural legacy dating back to the Mahabharata era.

In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Khandelwal said the city was originally founded by the Pandavas as Indraprastha, symbolising dharma, justice, and ethical governance. He argued that restoring the ancient name would honour India’s historical identity and reinforce its cultural pride.

Khandelwal also proposed renaming Old Delhi Railway Station as “Indraprastha Junction” and Indira Gandhi International Airport as “Indraprastha Airport”. Additionally, he suggested installing statues of the Pandavas at a prominent location in the capital to commemorate their role in establishing the city.

Copies of the letter were sent to Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ram Mohan Naidu, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Highlighting examples of cities like Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Varanasi that have reconnected with their traditional identities, Khandelwal said Delhi too deserves to reclaim its ancient name. “When other ancient cities are being restored to their original names, Delhi too deserves to reclaim its glorious identity as Indraprastha,” he wrote.

He traced Delhi’s evolution from its mythological origins through successive historical periods, including the Mauryan, Gupta, Rajput, Sultanate, Mughal, and British eras, emphasising its continuous habitation and role as a centre of trade and governance.

Khandelwal added that the renaming could boost spiritual and cultural tourism, generate employment, and strengthen India’s global image as a civilisation rooted in cultural values.

(Inputs from IANS)