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. 

News Source: Indian Express