BJP MLA Poonam Sharma recently raised a proposal in the Delhi Assembly to rename Delhi as Indraprastha. During the budget session, she urged the government to send a formal request to the center to restore the city ancient identity from the Mahabharata era. This move is presented as a way to establish a distinct cultural heritage and distance the capital from its colonial past.
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Key Highlights of the Renaming Proposal
- MLA Poonam Sharma introduced the proposal under Rule 280 during the Delhi Assembly budget session.
- The demand includes installing statues and monuments related to the Pandavas near historical sites like Purana Qila.
- BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal previously suggested renaming Old Delhi Railway Station to Indraprastha Junction and IGI Airport to Indraprastha Airport.
- Proponents argue that names like Indraprastha University and IP Estate already show the public acceptance of this historical name.
Archaeological Findings and Legal Process
The Archaeological Survey of India has discovered 3,000 year old remains and Painted Grey Ware at Purana Qila. These findings are often linked to the Mahabharata period, though official confirmation of the site as Indraprastha is still pending. ASI plans to use LiDAR technology and laser scanning for deeper underground exploration starting in late 2024. Experts mention that the renaming process involves a long legal and administrative path, requiring a resolution from the Delhi Assembly and final approval from the central government.
