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BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging that India’s capital, Delhi, be renamed “Indraprastha”, the name of the ancient city believed to have been founded by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era.Khandelwal, who represents the Chandni Chowk constituency, said the change would reconnect Delhi with its historical, cultural, and civilisational roots, making it not just a political capital but also a symbol of India’s timeless heritage.‘GIVE DELHI BACK ITS ANCIENT AND GLORIOUS NAME’In his letter, Khandelwal wrote, “Delhi should regain its ancient and glorious name, Indraprastha.” He also proposed renaming key landmarks in the city, including Old Delhi Railway Station as Indraprastha Junction and the Indira Gandhi International Airport as Indraprastha Airport.He further suggested that grand statues of the Pandavas be installed at a prominent location in the capital to honour the city’s ancient founders and to remind future generations of their values of justice, duty, and righteousness..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}‘INDRAPRASTHA SYMBOLISES DHARMA AND GOOD GOVERNANCE’Khandelwal said that according to historical tradition, the land now known as Delhi was once Indraprastha, the capital built by the Pandavas on the banks of the Yamuna. “It was one of the most prosperous and well-planned cities of its time, representing governance based on dharma, ethics, and public welfare,” he wrote.“Delhi is not just a modern metropolis,” Khandelwal added. “It is the soul of Indian civilisation, and its true name, Indraprastha, reflects our heritage, identity, and pride.”PARALLEL WITH OTHER ANCIENT CITIESDrawing parallels with cities like Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Varanasi, which have reclaimed their ancient names and identities, Khandelwal said that renaming Delhi would be an act of historical justice and cultural revival.“When the nation is reviving its ancient cities under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cultural renaissance, Delhi too deserves to reclaim its original name, Indraprastha,” he said.BOOST FOR TOURISM AND GLOBAL IMAGEKhandelwal also argued that renaming the capital and its major landmarks would send a strong global message about India’s civilisational continuity.“Names like Indraprastha Airport and Indraprastha Junction will project India’s heritage on the world stage,” he said. “Culturally and spiritually, it would boost tourism, generate employment, and strengthen the local economy.”LETTER SENT TO KEY MINISTERSThe MP has also shared copies of his letter with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, and Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for further consideration.Khandelwal concluded that renaming Delhi would not just be about changing a name, but about restoring the legacy of Indraprastha, the city that symbolised dharma, prosperity, and India’s civilisational spirit.- EndsPublished By: Sonali VermaPublished On: Nov 1, 2025Must Watch
