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Upendra Kushwaha Demands Renaming Patna to Pataliputra in Rajya Sabha

Rashtriya Lok Morcha President Upendra Kushwaha has formally demanded that Patna be renamed Pataliputra during a debate in the Rajya Sabha. He argued that the ancient name is a proud symbol of the city's history as the capital of the Mauryan Empire. Kushwaha cited precedents like Kolkata, Odisha, and Mumbai to support the call for cultural restoration. The demand has reignited political discourse around historical identity in Bihar.

Key Points: Demand to Rename Patna as Pataliputra in Rajya Sabha

  • Demand raised in Rajya Sabha
  • Cites Mauryan Empire's glory
  • References other city renamings
  • Part of cultural restoration discourse
2 min read

Upendra Kushwaha raises demand to rename Patna as Pataliputra in Rajya Sabha

RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha demands Patna be renamed Pataliputra, citing the city's historical legacy as the Mauryan Empire's capital.

"Pataliputra used to be the capital of the Mauryan Empire... Therefore, we urge the government to rename Patna as Pataliputra. - Upendra Kushwaha"

Patna, Feb 4

Rashtriya Lok Morcha President Upendra Kushwaha, on Wednesday, raised the demand to rename Patna, the capital of Bihar, as Pataliputra, citing its rich historical legacy during the Mauryan Empire.

He made this demand during the Motion of Thanks on President Droupadi Murmu's address in the Rajya Sabha.

While participating in the debate, Kushwaha urged the Central government to restore the ancient name of the city, saying that Pataliputra was the proud capital of the Mauryan Empire and remains a symbol of India's glorious past.

"Pataliputra used to be the capital of the Mauryan Empire, which is today known as Patna. The name Pataliputra fills us with pride. Therefore, we urge the government to rename Patna as Pataliputra," he said.

Referring to President Murmu's address, Kushwaha said that recalling historical milestones inspires future generations and strengthens India's journey towards becoming a developed nation.

"The President said that when the country remembers the great milestones and contributions of our ancestors, it inspires the new generation and accelerates our journey towards a developed India. These words remind us of that era when India was known as the 'Golden Bird'," he added.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kushwaha highlighted the vast expanse of the Mauryan Empire, saying that during that period, India's borders extended to present-day Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Nepal.

"The symbols of that glorious era still exist before us as remnants of the past. It is our duty to remove the dust that has settled on that history and bring it back to life," he said.

He added that Bihar reached the peak of its glory during the Mauryan rule, and its historical symbols continue to be globally recognised.

Citing examples of other cities and states whose names have been restored to reflect cultural identity, Kushwaha said, "Calcutta was renamed Kolkata, Orissa became Odisha, and Bombay became Mumbai. When the names of these places can be changed, why can't Patna be renamed Pataliputra?"

The demand has once again brought the issue of historical identity and cultural restoration into political discourse, particularly in Bihar, where Pataliputra remains central to the state's ancient legacy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the sentiment of honoring history, I wonder about the practical implications. Renaming a major city involves massive administrative costs - changing maps, signboards, official documents. Could these resources be better spent on improving infrastructure in Bihar right now?
R
Rohit P
As a Bihari, I have mixed feelings. Pataliputra sounds majestic and fills me with pride. But "Patna" is also our identity now, used for generations. Maybe we can have both? Officially Pataliputra, but Patna remains in common usage. What matters more is developing the city to match its ancient glory.
P
Priya S
Absolutely support this! It's high time. We teach our children about Pataliputra in history books, then they go and live in a city called Patna. The disconnect is real. Renaming will strengthen the cultural link for the new generation. Jai Bihar!
V
Vikram M
This feels like political symbolism over substance. Instead of focusing on names, our leaders should focus on reviving Bihar's economy and education system. The real tribute to Ashoka's legacy would be to make Patna/Pataliputra a center of learning and peace again, not just a name on a map.
K
Kavya N
The historical argument is strong. Pataliputra was a global capital of its time. Restoring the name can boost heritage tourism too. Imagine the pride when we say we're from Pataliputra! It has a certain weight that Patna doesn't carry. Hope this gets serious consideration.

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