Renaming Varanasi’s Mughal-Era Localities: Addressing Lingering Agony for Hindus and Restoring Cultural Pride

Paromita Das

New Delhi: Bharat, often referred to as Sone Ki Chidiya (Golden Bird), was once renowned for its unparalleled wealth, vibrant culture, and spiritual legacy. However, centuries of invasions, especially during the Mughal era, left deep scars on the nation’s social, cultural, and spiritual fabric. The Mughal invaders not only plundered Bharat’s riches but also inflicted unspeakable atrocities on the Hindu population, demolishing temples, erasing cultural landmarks, and imposing foreign rule. Today, the remnants of that era persist in the form of city names, localities, and landmarks named after these invaders. For many, these names are constant reminders of a painful past, and efforts to replace them have been gaining momentum.

One such initiative is underway in Varanasi, the spiritual capital of Bharat. A proposal to rename several localities named after Mughal rulers, such as Aurangabad, has ignited a heated debate, drawing both support and criticism. This move is part of a larger effort to restore Bharat’s cultural identity by removing symbols associated with foreign invaders who sought to erase the Hindu heritage of Bharat.

The Proposal to Rename Localities in Varanasi

In a significant step, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation is set to discuss a proposal on March 27, 2025, to rename several localities with Mughal-era names. Among these, Aurangabad, named after the infamous Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, may be renamed Laxminagar or Narayani Dham Nagar. This demand has gained traction after Jagatguru Rambhadracharya, a revered Hindu saint, vocally supported the cause during his recent visit to Varanasi. He described the current names as glorifying Islamic invaders who destroyed Hindu culture and called for immediate corrective measures.

The Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Nyas, a prominent Hindu rights organization, has been at the forefront of this campaign. On March 20, they submitted an official letter to the Municipal Commissioner, urging the renaming of Aurangabad and other areas. Their argument is that such names not only erase Bharat’s rich Hindu heritage but also serve as painful reminders of centuries of oppression.

Proposed New Names Reflecting Hindu Heritage

Hindu organizations have proposed several alternatives to the existing names, each chosen to honor Bharat’s spiritual and cultural legacy. For instance:

• Aurangabad could be renamed Laxminagar or Narayani Dham Nagar to reflect prosperity and devotion.
• Madanpura Gol Chabutra might become Siddha Peeth or Siddha Mahal, emphasizing the region’s spiritual significance.
• Khalispura could be changed to Brahmeshwar Mahal or Brahma Tirtha, honoring the Hindu creator god Brahma.
• Golgadda may be renamed Vishwakarma Nagar or Vishwakarma Tirtha, paying tribute to Vishwakarma, the divine architect.
• Ambia Mandi, currently referred to as “Amirchand” in official records, could be renamed Amareshwar Tirtha, aligning with Hindu traditions.

Ajay Sharma, State President of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal, has proposed over 50 similar changes. He argues that these names will reclaim the true identity of Kashi (Varanasi), which has always been a center of Hindu spirituality and culture.

Historical Context: A Painful Reminder of the Past

The Mughal invasion of Bharat marked one of the darkest chapters in Bharatiya history. From Mahmud of Ghazni’s raids in the 11th century to Aurangzeb’s tyrannical rule in the 17th century, these invaders looted wealth, destroyed temples, and imposed foreign customs. Hindu temples such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi were razed to the ground, replaced by mosques built with the rubble of these sacred sites.

Aurangzeb, in particular, is remembered for his brutal policies targeting Hindus. He imposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims, destroyed temples, and executed prominent Hindu leaders like Guru Tegh Bahadur. For many Bharatiya, names like Aurangabad and Khalispura are not mere historical markers but painful symbols of a time when their ancestors faced unimaginable atrocities.

Support for the Renaming Movement

The push for renaming localities in Varanasi has received widespread support from several prominent figures. Jagatguru Rambhadracharya has pledged to personally take up the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the need to reclaim Hindu identity. In a public event at Banaras Hindu University on March 24, he stated that the renaming of such areas would not only restore historical accuracy but also instill pride in Bharat’s rich heritage.

The Municipal Corporation’s Public Information Officer, Sandeep Srivastava, has confirmed that multiple organizations have submitted requests for renaming. He assured that the matter would be thoroughly reviewed in the upcoming executive meeting, with historical evidence playing a key role in the final decision.

Criticism and Counterarguments

While the renaming movement has garnered significant support, it has also faced criticism. Opponents argue that renaming places will not erase history and might create unnecessary divisions in society. Some believe that such moves could shift the focus away from more pressing issues like infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.

Critics also highlight the potential for communal tensions, as renaming initiatives often involve revisiting painful historical narratives. They argue that Bharat’s strength lies in its diversity and that erasing certain historical markers might oversimplify a complex past.

Why Renaming is Necessary

Despite the criticism, the renaming of localities associated with invaders is a step in the right direction. It is not about erasing history but about reclaiming it. For centuries, Bharat’s cultural narrative was rewritten by foreign rulers who sought to undermine Hindu traditions. Restoring names that reflect Bharat’s spiritual and cultural identity is a way of honoring the resilience of its people and their rich heritage.

Names have power—they shape perceptions, evoke emotions, and influence identity. By replacing names like Aurangabad with culturally significant alternatives, Bharat can take a symbolic step towards healing the wounds of the past while inspiring future generations to take pride in their heritage.

A Historic Opportunity for Cultural Reclamation

The proposed renaming of localities in Varanasi represents more than just a change in nomenclature; it is a historic opportunity to restore the true identity of Bharat. By replacing names associated with invaders with those that honor Bharat’s spiritual and cultural legacy, the country can reclaim its narrative and celebrate its resilience.

As the Varanasi Municipal Corporation prepares to discuss these proposals, the decision they make could set a precedent for similar efforts across Bharat. For a nation that has endured centuries of cultural erasure, this is a chance to reaffirm its identity and pay homage to its rich heritage.