Big news out of Maharashtra! The iconic Ahmednagar district has officially been renamed Ahilyanagar, in honour of the legendary queen, Ahilyabai Holkar. With the Union Home Ministry giving its nod, the name change was formalized on October 4, 2024. This renaming is being hailed as a tribute to Ahilyabai, a revered figure who was known for her leadership and reformist vision in the 18th century.

This decision follows similar changes in the state, such as Aurangabad becoming Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad being renamed Dharashiv. But as with all name changes, opinions are divided!

We want to hear from YOU!

• Do you think this change is a meaningful tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar?
• Or do you believe that changing names doesn’t necessarily lead to real regional progress?

Ahmednagar, originally named after Ahmed Nizamshah in the 15th century, carries centuries of history. Does renaming it to Ahilyanagar signify a new chapter for the region, or do you think it’s merely symbolic without much real impact on the community’s challenges?

Let us know in the comments below! Would you prefer the district keep its historical name, or is this a welcome update? Share your thoughts!

What’s next?

Whether you support the change or not, Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy of strength and leadership remains something we can all appreciate. But we’d love to know – is this change the right way to honour her?