Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar Renamed Ahilya Nagar

Announcement:

      Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the renaming of Ahmednagar as Ahilya Nagar at an event in Ahmednagar. The renaming is in honor of Ahilyabai Holkar, the hereditary queen of the Maratha Empire, who was born in Chondi village of Ahmednagar district.

Significance:

     The renaming coincided with the 298th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, celebrated as Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti. This move is part of a series of renaming initiatives by the Maharashtra government to honor historical figures and reflect a cultural reevaluation.

Previous Renamings:

     The renaming of Ahmednagar follows the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv earlier by the government, after demands from various quarters.

Political Context:

    The renaming of Ahmednagar was championed by BJP leader and MLC Gopichand Padalkar, representing the Dhangar community. Ahilyabai Holkar, belonging to the Dhangar community, is revered by its members.

Ahilyabai Holkar:

    Ahilyabai Holkar was known for her leadership during the 18th century in the Malwa province, where she established Maheshwar as the capital of the Holkar dynasty. She is admired for her effective governance and enlightened policies.

Renaming Process:

     The renaming of Ahmednagar to Ahilya Nagar will be done as per the revised guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs and after approval from the Centre. The process will involve renaming the district, taluka, and Municipal Corporation.

Additional Renamings:

     The Maharashtra government also decided to rename Velha tehsil in Pune district as Rajgad, after the first capital of the Maratha Empire under Shivaji Maharaj.

Infrastructure Development:

   The state cabinet approved the acquisition of land in Ichchagam taluka of Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir to construct Maharashtra State Guest House, providing accommodation for tourists from Maharashtra visiting Jammu and Kashmir.