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In a significant development, a proposal to rename several localities in Varanasi that are named after Mughal rulers is set to be discussed on March 27 in the Municipal Corporation Executive Meeting. Several Hindu rights organizations have long been demanding the renaming of such areas, arguing that their current names glorify Islamic invaders who persecuted Hindus. Among the proposed changes, the locality of Aurangabad may be renamed Laxminagar or Narayani Dham Nagar. However, the final decision rests with the municipal authorities.
The demand for renaming gained momentum after Jagatguru Rambhadracharya, a highly respected Hindu saint, visited Varanasi and strongly supported the idea of removing names associated with Mughal despots. On March 20, the Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Nyas submitted a letter to the Municipal Commissioner, urging the renaming of Aurangabad, which is named after Aurangzeb, the 17th-century Mughal ruler infamous for his anti-Hindu policies. Further strengthening the cause, a public event was held at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on March 24, where Jagatguru Rambhadracharya asserted that names linked to Islamic fanatics should be replaced with Hindu names. He also stated that he would personally discuss the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he regards as a friend.
Meanwhile, Ajay Sharma, the State President of Sanatan Rakshak Dal, has suggested renaming several more localities. According to him, Madanpura Gol Chabutra should be renamed Siddha Peeth or Siddha Mahal, while Khalispura could be changed to Brahmeshwar Mahal or Brahma Tirtha. Additionally, he proposed renaming Golgadda as Vishwakarma Nagar or Vishwakarma Tirtha, Peelikothi as Swarn Tirtha, Kajjakpura/Saraiya as Anaras Tirtha, and Ambia Mandi as Amareshwar Tirtha. Interestingly, Ambia Mandi is already referred to as “Amirchand” in official documents, raising further calls for historical correction.
Ajay Sharma has highlighted that over 50 localities in Varanasi still bear Muslim names and should be renamed to reflect the true Hindu heritage of Kashi. To advance this demand, he has submitted an official request to the Mayor of Varanasi Municipal Corporation. In response, the Mayor has requested historical evidence from scholars of Kashi before making a decision.
Municipal Corporation’s Public Information Officer Sandeep Srivastava confirmed that several organizations have applied for renaming localities, and this matter will be formally discussed in the upcoming executive meeting. If approved, this could mark a historic shift in reclaiming Varanasi’s Hindu identity, aligning with similar renaming efforts seen in other parts of India.
