Renamed Indian Cities | General Awareness & Knowledge - Bank Exams PDF Download

Ahilyabai Holkar

• Ahilyabai Holkar was a ruler in the 18th century.
• She belonged to the Holkar dynasty and made her main city in Maheshwar, which is in the current state of Madhya Pradesh.
• She was famous for her ability to manage, her acceptance of all religions, her support for arts and culture, and her kindness to her people.
• Ahilyabai constructed many temples, ghats, wells, and forts all over India. She also aided in education and trade.
• She is widely seen as one of the top female rulers in Indian history.

Renaming of Indian cities/States

• India is a land with a vast and varied heritage, where different languages, religions, ethnicities, and cultures exist together.
• One way to show this diversity and identity is through the names of places, which often have historical, cultural, religious, or linguistic importance.
• After India broke free from British rule in 1947, many places have been given new names, either to bring back their original names or to honor specific people or events.
• The process of renaming places in India includes multiple steps and authorities like state governments, the central government, Survey of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Railways, and Ministry of External Affairs.
• Any proposals for renaming must be endorsed by all these bodies before they are officially confirmed and put into effect.

Some examples of renamed places in India are

Allahabad to Prayagraj

• The Uttar Pradesh government renamed Allahabad, a name established by Mughal emperor Akbar, to Prayagraj. 
• The new name, meaning "the place of confluence of sacred rivers," reflects the ancient designation of Prayag, noted in Hindu scriptures as the holy site where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge.

Faizabad to Ayodhya

• The Uttar Pradesh government also renamed Faizabad district and its administrative center to Ayodhya. This new name is associated with the revered birthplace of Lord Rama, a significant figure in Hinduism. 
• The original name, Faizabad, was given by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, who founded the city.

Bombay to Mumbai

• The Maharashtra government changed the name of Bombay, derived from the Portuguese phrase "Bom Bahia" meaning "good bay," to Mumbai. 
• The new name, Mumbai, is rooted in the name of the local goddess Mumbadevi and reflects the Marathi language and cultural heritage of the region.

Madras to Chennai

• The Tamil Nadu government renamed Madras, a name originating from the British adaptation of Madraspatnam, a fishing village near Fort St. George, to Chennai. 
• Chennai is derived from Chennapattanam, another nearby village, and represents the Tamil language and culture of the state.

Calcutta to Kolkata

• The West Bengal government changed the name of Calcutta, which came from Kalikata, one of the three villages that were merged to form the city under British rule, to Kolkata. 
• The new name more accurately reflects the Bengali pronunciation and cultural identity of the region.

What are the constitutional provisions for renaming places in India?

Article 3

• The Constitution of India permits the renaming of a state under Article 3. This article grants the Parliament the authority to create new states and modify the areas, boundaries, or names of existing states through legislation. 
• However, before presenting such a bill, the President must refer it to the relevant state legislature for its opinion within a specified timeframe. Although the state legislature's views are not binding, they must be considered by Parliament.

Procedure for Renaming

The process for renaming a state can start either in the Parliament or the state legislature. If a state legislature adopts a resolution to change its name, it must submit this resolution to the Central Government for approval. The Central Government then introduces a bill in Parliament, following the President's recommendation. This bill must be approved by a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament.

• There is no specific constitutional provision for renaming cities or other places within a state. However, guidelines issued by the Central Government in 1953 outline the process for name changes. According to these guidelines, any proposal to rename a place must be initiated by the state government and forwarded to the Central Government for approval.
• The Central Government evaluates several factors, including historical significance, public sentiment, linguistic compatibility, administrative convenience, and national integration before granting approval.

Guiding principles for the Central Government in approving name changes include:

• The change should involve only minor modifications, such as phonetic corrections or transliterations, rather than radical alterations.
• The change should be based on common usage and public support, avoiding communal or sectarian motivations.
• The change should not cause confusion or inconvenience for postal, railway, or other services.
• The change should not negatively impact the interests of any other state or union territory.

The Rationality Behind Renaming Places

Correct the Anglicised or Distorted Spellings of the Original Names

• A key reason for renaming places in India was to correct the anglicised or distorted spellings imposed by British or other foreign rulers. For instance, Jabalpur was changed from Jubbulpore in 1947, Kanpur replaced Cawnpore in 1948, Vadodara substituted Baroda in 1974, and Thiruvananthapuram replaced Trivandrum in 1991. 
• These changes sought to restore the native pronunciation and meaning of names that had been altered over time.

To Assert the Linguistic and Cultural Identity

• Another motive for renaming places in India was to assert the linguistic and cultural identity of the regions and communities living there. For example, in 1969, Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu to better represent the Tamil language and culture predominant in the state. Similarly, Mysore State was renamed Karnataka in 1973 to reflect the Kannada-speaking population of the state. 
• Some cities also adopted names that align with their local languages, such as Mumbai replacing Bombay in 1995, Kolkata replacing Calcutta in 2001, and Chennai replacing Madras in 1996.

To Honour

• Renaming places in India also served to honour historical, religious, or political significance tied to certain figures or events. For example, Allahabad was renamed Prayagraj in 2018 to emphasize its ancient name and its importance as a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims. 
• Likewise, Aurangabad was renamed Sambhajinagar to honor Sambhaji, the son of Maratha king Shivaji, who resisted the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. 
• Additionally, some places changed names to pay tribute to national leaders or freedom fighters, such as Rajiv Chowk replacing Connaught Place in 1995, Indira Gandhi International Airport taking over Palam Airport in 1986, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport replacing Dum Dum Airport in 1995.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Renaming a place name

Renaming a place's name can have both positive and negative consequences depending on the context and perspective. Some of the possible advantages and disadvantages are:

Advantages

• It can instil a sense of pride, dignity and belonging among the people who identify with the new name and feel connected to their roots and history.
• It can promote the recognition and preservation of the local culture, language and traditions that may otherwise be overshadowed or marginalized by dominant or external influences.
• It can attract more tourists, investors and development opportunities to the region by creating a unique brand identity and highlighting its distinctive features and attractions.
• It can foster social harmony and integration by respecting the sentiments and aspirations of different communities and groups who live in or are associated with the region.

Disadvantages

• It can create confusion, inconvenience and cost for the people who have to adapt to the new name and update their official documents, records and maps accordingly.
• It can trigger resentment, opposition and conflict among the people who do not agree with or accept the new name and feel alienated or offended by it.
• It can undermine the historical continuity and legacy of the region by erasing or altering its original name which may have a rich or significant meaning or association.
• It can divert attention and resources from more pressing issues and problems that affect the region such as poverty, unemployment, education, health, infrastructure etc.

Renaming places in India is not a straightforward process. It involves various challenges such as:

Legal

• Renaming a place in India is a complex process that requires approval from both the state and central governments, as outlined in Articles 3 and 4 of the Constitution of India. 
• The state government must first pass a resolution in its legislative assembly proposing the new name and forward it to the central government for approval. 
• The central government must then consult various ministries, such as Home Affairs, Defence, and External Affairs, before granting consent. 
• This entire procedure can be lengthy, taking several months or even years, depending on factors like political will, public opinion, and bureaucratic challenges.

Administrative

• Renaming a place involves considerable administrative work, including updating signboards, stationery, stamps, currency notes, and more. 
• Coordination is required among different departments, such as railways, postal services, and airports, to ensure consistency and accuracy with the new name. The process can be costly and require significant manpower from both the state and central governments.

Social

• The renaming of a place can have significant social effects, impacting the identity, emotions, and sentiments of residents and those associated with the area. It may also lead to divisions, disputes, and controversies among different communities, groups, and political parties with varying opinions and interests regarding the new name.
• Therefore, the process often involves extensive consultation, dialogue, and efforts to build consensus among various stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and harmonious transition.

Renaming places in India is a sensitive and complex issue that requires a balanced and pragmatic approach. Some possible ways forward are:

Historical

• When renaming places with names linked to colonial rulers, foreign invaders, or historical figures viewed as oppressive by some, it is important to approach the process with respect and recognition of their historical role and contributions to India's history and culture. 
• Such renaming should be understood not as an act of revenge or denial but as a gesture of restoration, reconciliation, and acknowledgment.

Cultural

• Renaming places whose names do not reflect the local language, culture, or sentiments requires careful consideration and consultation with the local population regarding their wishes and opinions. 
• The process should not be perceived as imposition or domination but as an expression of diversity, respect for local identity, and autonomy.

Political

• Renaming places with names that represent political ideologies or affiliations should be approached with caution, considering the potential impact and implications. 
• The renaming should not be viewed as manipulation or provocation but as a means of ensuring representation, fostering participation, and promoting cooperation.

Renaming places in India is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful deliberation and consensus among all stakeholders. While respecting the wishes and emotions of the people, it is also important to consider the practical and legal aspects of such changes. Ultimately, renaming should serve the larger interest of national unity and harmony.