The Central Government will officially examine a new proposal to rename India's capital city, Delhi, as Indraprastha, which has triggered a round of debate all over the political and cultural community. The proposal, launched officially by the BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal, attempts to bring the modern city home to its ancient, mythical roots in the epic Mahabharata, in which Indraprastha is portrayed as the glorious capital of the Pandavas.
Historical and Cultural Background
Per the Mahabharata, Indraprastha was a great city founded by the Pandava princes after they were granted a portion of the Kuru kingdom following the infamous dice game. Historians and tradition have long associated such ancient cities as the Purana Qila area in present-day Delhi with this mythical city.
Advocates for this name said it would better honor India’s civilizational heritage and establish a distinct culture in the capital rooted in its indigenous history. "Indraprastha stands in for ancient Delhi that’s a symbol of justice, strength and dharma," said one of its proponents.
Political and Popular Reactions
It has prompted both praise and criticism from multiple quarters:
- Advocates argue that the shift would revive cultural pride and give historical salience to India’s oldest settlements.
- Detractors argue that the city’s various layers in history, from ancient kingdoms to Sultanates, the Mughal Empire and British colonial rule, have rendered any one renaming oversimplified.
- A few urban scholars argue that symbolic renaming should not take precedence over the urgent real-world issues of pollution, infrastructure and public services.
Public sentiment remains divided. Some citizens welcomed it as a tribute to an India whose mythic past was meaningful, others said changing the name would not produce practical benefits for the capital’s everyday life.
What Happens Next?
Until now, there has been no official statement saying when, or if, the renaming will happen. Officials in government said the proposal is being reviewed by government officials, but no formal announcement has yet been issued.
If the initiative is put on the table, so many moves, administrative permissions, discussions, even Parliament’s blessing would need to be taken before Delhi can truly be named Indraprastha.
However, discussions are ongoing on issues of heritage, identity and modern governance.
