Ahmednagar to be Renamed Ahilyanagar

Context:

Marking the 298th birth anniversary of Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar on May 31, Maharashtra Chief Minister announced to rename Ahmednagar after her.

History of Ahmednagar:

Ancient times: Ahmednagar has been a part of some prominent kingdoms, starting from 240 BC, “when the vicinity is mentioned in the reference to the Mauryan Emperor Ashok”.
Medieval period:

- The region was ruled over by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, the Western Chalukyas, and then the Delhi Sultanate.
- Ahmednagar, then known as Nizamshahi, became one of the five independent kingdoms to emerge from Bahmani kingdom in the Deccan.
- In 1486, Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah assumed the position of the Bahmani Sultanate’s prime minister and laid the foundation of a city on the left bank of Sina river. This city was named after him: Ahmednagar.

Who was Ahilyabai Holkar?

Ahilyabai was born in Chondi village of Ahmednagar to the village head Mankoji Shinde, who ensured that his daughter received an education, which was quite rare at that time.
Malhar Rao Holkar, the army commander to Peshwa Bajirao married his son to her.
After her husband’s death in the Battle of Kumbher in 1754, Ahilyabai took control of Malwa.
She excelled at administrative and military strategies under the guidance of her father-in-law, who believed she should lead her people, and not die by Sati.
After the death of her father-in-law and son a few years later, she petitioned the Peshwa to become the ruler, backed by the support of her army.
Her role in the restoration of Hindu temples is often talked about. The ancient Somnath temple was built by Holkar in 1783.

Procedure to change the name of a city or place in a state:

There is no constitutional provision which talks about changing the name of a city or any area in a state. The power to change the name is given to the State Legislation.
Moving a resolution: A resolution is proposed by any Member of Legislative Assembly as a request to change the name of a particular city or place in the state.
Discussion and Voting:
- A discussion takes place on the resolution. In the discussion, the reasons for and possible consequences of altering the name is discussed.
- Formal voting on the enforcement of the resolution. For the passing of the resolution, a simple majority is required.
Ministry of Home Affairs: The resolution as a proposal is submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry considers the proposal and consults with other state agencies.
Approval required from: the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Survey of India, and Registrar General of India.
A No Objection Certificate is issued by the Ministry if the proposal is approved by the ministry and all the agencies.
After getting approval from the ministry, the State Government can issue an official notification in the Gazette.