In a significant move reflecting changing socio-cultural sentiments, the Agra Zila Panchayat has passed a proposal to rename Fatehabad town and one of its prominent localities, Badshahi Bagh. The proposed new names are Sindoorpuram for the town of Fatehabad and Brahmapuram for the Badshahi Bagh area. The proposal was introduced by Zila Panchayat Chairperson Manju Bhadoria and received unanimous approval during the board meeting held on Monday.
According to the resolution, the name changes are aimed at shedding what the Panchayat described as remnants of the region’s “symbolic slavery” tied to historical invasions and foreign rule. Chairperson Bhadoria stated that the existing names are “legacy imprints of past subjugation” and that changing them is a step toward reclaiming local identity and cultural pride.
The town of Fatehabad, according to historical references cited in the proposal, was originally known as Samugarh. The name was later changed to Fatehabad derived from the Persian word Fateh, meaning victory by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb after a major battle in the area. The new name Sindoorpuram is intended to reflect indigenous cultural and spiritual values, symbolized by ‘sindoor’, a traditional red pigment worn by married Hindu women.
Similarly, the proposal suggests renaming Badshahi Bagh a name associated with Mughal imperialism as Brahmapuram. This new name draws inspiration from both Lord Brahma, a principal deity in Hinduism, and BrahMos, the name of India’s advanced supersonic cruise missile, symbolizing power, self-reliance, and modern technological achievement.
The proposal will now be forwarded to the Uttar Pradesh state government for further review and approval. If sanctioned, the changes would become official and reflected in government records, signages, and administrative documents.
The renaming initiative is part of a broader trend observed across parts of India where local authorities and communities are advocating for place names that better represent native heritage, beliefs, and identity.
While the move has garnered support within the Zila Panchayat and certain community circles, it may also spark debate among historians and civil society about the balancing act between preserving history and redefining local identity.
