Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the government to consider renaming Delhi as Indraprastha. The request comes shortly after the Centre approved Kerala proposal to officially adopt the name Keralam for the state in official communications.
In his letter addressed to Amit Shah, Khandelwal stated that the present name Delhi reflects only a limited and relatively later historical period. He argued that the name Indraprastha carries deeper civilisational and cultural significance, as it is associated with ancient Indian history and is referenced in classical texts. According to the Member of Parliament, restoring the name Indraprastha would symbolically reconnect the national capital with its ancient heritage.
Khandelwal wrote that renaming Delhi would represent more than a symbolic gesture. He said it would reinforce the connection between modern democratic India and its historical foundations. In his communication, he described Indraprastha as a name that represents one of the oldest cultural traditions in human history and emphasised that the capital of the world largest democracy should reflect that legacy.
The proposal follows recent developments in which the Union government approved Kerala request to use the name Keralam in official records and communications. The move has renewed debate across political and academic circles regarding the renaming of cities and states to reflect indigenous languages, historical narratives and cultural identities.
Delhi, officially known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi, has a long and layered history, having served as the capital of several empires and administrations over centuries. The name Indraprastha is traditionally associated with an ancient city mentioned in the Mahabharata and is believed by some historians to have been located in the region of present day Delhi.
Legal experts note that renaming a state or Union Territory involves constitutional and legislative procedures. Under Article 3 of the Constitution of India, Parliament has the authority to alter the name of a state. Such a change typically requires consultation with the concerned state legislature and approval by both Houses of Parliament.
Political reactions to the proposal have been varied. Supporters argue that restoring historical names strengthens cultural identity and national pride. Critics, however, say that renaming exercises should be weighed against administrative costs and practical considerations.
So far, there has been no official response from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the request made by Khandelwal. Government sources have indicated that any proposal related to renaming would be examined in accordance with established procedures and legal requirements.
The debate over renaming places in India has gained momentum in recent years, with several cities and railway stations having undergone name changes to reflect historical or regional identity. As discussions continue, the proposal to rename Delhi as Indraprastha is likely to generate further public and political discourse.
