Ahmednagar district renamed Ahilyanagar after Centre's approval in Maharashtra

Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district has officially been renamed Ahilyanagar, following the Centre's approval, as announced by state Revenue and Guardian Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. The decision, made during a Maharashtra Cabinet meeting on March 13, 2024, aims to honor the legacy of Punyashlok Ahilya Devi, an influential 18th-century queen of the Maratha-Malwa kingdom. This year marks the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilya Devi, making the renaming particularly significant and historic for the local community.

The demand to rename Ahmednagar has been ongoing for several years, with strong advocacy from local leaders and residents. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde initially announced the proposal during a celebration of Ahilya Devi Jayanti in Chondi, where the queen was born. Following this announcement, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil actively engaged with both the state and central governments to expedite the approval process, emphasizing the cultural importance of recognizing Ahilya Devi's contributions to society and governance.

The Ministry of Railways also confirmed that there were no objections to the name Ahilyanagar, facilitating a smooth transition. In expressing his joy over the decision, Patil stated, "This is a historic event for us." Both Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their support, reinforcing the Mahayuti government's commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people.

Historically, Ahmednagar was named after Ahmed Nizamshah, the founder of the Nizamshahi dynasty in the 15th century. As the largest district in Maharashtra by area, the renaming aligns with a broader trend in the state, which has seen recent changes, including the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv. The decision to rename Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar not only honors the legacy of a revered queen but also reflects a growing emphasis on historical significance and cultural pride within Maharashtra.