In a bold move to reclaim India’s ancient heritage, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the renaming of Delhi to Indraprastha. The proposal aims to honor the city’s roots in the Mahabharata era, where it was established as a thriving kingdom by the Pandavas along the Yamuna River.
Khandelwal argues that ‘Delhi’ is a relatively modern name, while Indraprastha embodies the capital’s true historical identity. Drawing from epic literature and archaeological evidence, he highlights how the current geography of Delhi matches descriptions of the ancient city in the Mahabharata. Excavations at Purana Qila have unearthed settlements dating back to 1000 BCE, including Painted Grey Ware pottery linked to the Mahabharata period.
The MP emphasizes India’s status as one of the world’s oldest living civilizations, insisting the national capital’s name should reflect its profound cultural legacy. He suggests installing statues of the Pandavas at Purana Qila to vividly showcase this heritage.
In a parallel effort, Khandelwal has appealed to Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to pass a resolution in the assembly supporting the name change. Citing precedents like the renaming of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Prayagraj, he positions this as a step toward national pride and cultural continuity.
Khandelwal calls on Shah to initiate formal consultations with historians and archaeologists. This initiative, he believes, would strengthen India’s commitment to preserving its ancient past amid rapid modernization. As discussions unfold, the proposal sparks debate on balancing history with contemporary identity.