Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) President Upendra Kushwaha has proposed renaming Patna, Bihar’s capital, to Pataliputra, emphasizing its historical significance during the Mauryan Empire. Kushwaha made this suggestion while speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the Motion of Thanks on President Droupadi Murmu’s address. He highlighted Pataliputra as the former capital of the Mauryan Empire, expressing pride in its heritage and urging the government to restore its original name.
Kushwaha stressed the importance of recognizing historical milestones to inspire future generations and advance India’s development journey. He pointed out the expansive reach of the Mauryan Empire, extending to present-day Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Nepal. Emphasizing the need to preserve and revive historical legacies, he noted Bihar’s peak glory during the Mauryan era and its global recognition for historical symbols.
Drawing parallels with other cities and states that have reclaimed their cultural identities through name changes, Kushwaha questioned why Patna couldn’t follow suit. He cited examples like Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Odisha (formerly Orissa), and Mumbai (formerly Bombay) as instances of successful renaming. The demand to rename Patna as Pataliputra has reignited discussions on historical identity and cultural restoration, particularly in Bihar, where Pataliputra holds significant historical value.
