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In Short: Maharashtra renames Ahmednagar district as 'Ahilya Nagar' to honor Queen Ahilyadevi Holkar, known for her contributions to temple construction and public rest houses. The decision follows the renaming of Aurangabad and Osmanabad and signifies the government's commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, made a historic announcement today, revealing that Ahmednagar district in western Maharashtra will undergo a significant transformation. In a fitting tribute to the legendary queen of the Maratha Empire, the district will be renamed as 'Ahilya Nagar.' The decision to rename the district after Ahilyadevi Holkar, renowned for her accomplishments in temple construction and the establishment of public rest houses across India, was met with great enthusiasm.
Speaking at a function in Choundi village, Ahilyadevi's birthplace, Chief Minister Shinde shared the news on the occasion of her 298th birth anniversary. "Our government works with the ideals of governance set by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Ahilyadevi Holkar. Therefore, in response to the collective desire of the people, we have decided to rename the district as Ahilya Nagar," he declared, further cementing the government's commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
The momentous event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar, and numerous others who joined in celebrating this historic occasion.
Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, who had previously expressed his support for the name change, commended the decision. "Ahmednagar city's name must be changed to Ahilya Nagar. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and I have responded to the demand of the people, just as we did when we renamed Aurangabad and Osmanabad. The renaming of Ahmednagar is a testament to the respect we hold for our historical figures," he remarked. Earlier this year, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government successfully renamed Aurangabad as 'Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar' and Osmanabad as 'Dharashiv.'
Ahmednagar district has a profound historical significance, dating back to the establishment of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate by Malik Ahmed Shah Bahri on May 28, 1490, following his victory over the Bahmani Army led by Jahangir Khan. Now, with the impending renaming as Ahilya Nagar, the district is poised to acquire a fresh identity that honors the remarkable legacy of Queen Ahilyadevi Holkar and her enduring contributions to the Maratha Empire.
The renaming of Ahmednagar as Ahilya Nagar not only pays homage to an exceptional historical figure but also signifies the government's dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Maharashtra. As the state continues to progress, the memory of Queen Ahilyadevi Holkar will remain etched in the hearts and minds of its people, inspiring future generations to embrace their history and legacy.