Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday announced that Ahmednagar district will be renamed as Ahilyanagar. The announcement was made on the occasion of the 298th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a 18th-century queen who ruled the Maratha Empire.
Shinde said that the decision to rename Ahmednagar was taken in honor of Ahilyabai Holkar, who was a great administrator and social reformer. He said that she was a role model for women and that her contributions to society will be remembered for generations to come.
The renaming of Ahmednagar is the latest in a series of name changes that have been made by the Shinde government. In April, the government renamed Aurangabad as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad as Dharashiv.
The name changes have been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the move, saying that it is a way to honor historical figures and promote Marathi culture. Others have criticized the move, saying that it is a waste of time and money.
Despite the mixed reactions, the Shinde government has said that it is committed to renaming more cities and towns in Maharashtra. The government has said that it will consult with the people before making any further name changes.
A brief history of Ahilyabai Holkar
Ahilyabai Holkar was born in 1707 in the village of Chondi in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. She was the daughter of Mankoji Shinde, a Maratha general. Ahilyabai was married to Malharrao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar dynasty.
After her husband’s death, Ahilyabai Holkar ruled the Maratha Empire from 1761 to 1795. She was a great administrator and social reformer. She built temples, roads, and irrigation canals. She also promoted education and women’s rights.
Ahilyabai Holkar was a great leader and a role model for women. She is remembered for her contributions to society and her dedication to the Maratha Empire.