In a remarkable tribute to the historical legacy of India, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unveiled a bold decision to rename Ahmednagar district in western Maharashtra as “Ahilya Nagar.” The announcement, made during a momentous event commemorating Ahilya Devi Holkar’s 298th birth anniversary in Ahmednagar, aims to honour the extraordinary accomplishments of this illustrious 18th-century ruler from the Malwa kingdom.
This significant move follows a recent controversy surrounding the temporary removal of statues depicting Ahilya Devi and social reformer Savitribai Phule from Maharashtra Sadan, the state guest house in New Delhi. These statues were displaced briefly to make way for the celebration of Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar’s birth anniversary on May 28. However, this action sparked widespread criticism, leading to public protests and calls for an apology from the government.
Merely three days later, Chief Minister Shinde took center stage at the event, declaring the renaming of Ahmednagar as “Ahilya Nagar.” In his impassioned speech, he described Ahilya Devi’s accomplishments as awe-inspiring as the mighty Himalayas, asserting that the district’s honour would ascend to new heights through this renaming. Shinde justified the decision by acknowledging the indebtedness to the land that gave birth to the extraordinary ruler.
The initial announcement came from Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who addressed the renaming demand raised by BJP leaders Ram Shinde and Gopichand Padalkar. Joining the chorus, State Medical Education Minister Girish Mahajan proclaimed that the Government Medical College and General Hospital in Baramati would also bear Ahilya Devi’s name. A government resolution to this effect was promptly issued by the medical education and drugs department.
Born on May 31, 1725, in the village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharani Ahilya Devi Holkar stands as an iconic figure in Indian history. Revered as one of the most remarkable female rulers, she belonged to the Maratha Holkar clan and governed the Malwa kingdom with great wisdom. Ahilya Devi championed the values of dharma (righteousness) and played a pivotal role in advancing industrialization during the 18th century. Her profound influence is further acknowledged through the renaming of Indore’s domestic airport as Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport and the Indore university as Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya.
While the decision to rename Ahmednagar district has been welcomed by the Maharashtra Congress, they view it as a politically motivated move, likely driven by the upcoming elections. Atul Londhe, chief spokesperson of the state Congress, expressed appreciation for the decision but also noted that none of the ministers in the state’s council draw inspiration from Ahilyabai Holkar’s ideology or ideas. He suggested that the decision might have alternative motives behind it.
In celebrating the extraordinary life and achievements of Ahilya Devi Holkar, the renaming of Ahmednagar district as “Ahilya Nagar” encapsulates a heartfelt homage to a historical icon, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Maharashtra.
