Naila Altaf Kayani
In the latest development under the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh, the city of Aligarh is poised to undergo a name change, following the controversial renaming of Faizabad and Allahabad. The proposal to rebrand Aligarh as “Harigarh” has gained unanimous support from the Aligarh Municipal Corporation, a move that aligns with the BJP’s track record of renaming cities and districts. The trend of renaming places has been prevalent in Uttar Pradesh, where the government has already rechristened Mughal Sarai as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar, Allahabad as Prayagraj, and Faizabad district as Ayodhya.
The recent proposal reflects a continuing commitment to this renaming spree, with Aligarh potentially becoming the latest addition. Aligarh’s Mayor Prashant Singhal presented the proposal during a meeting on November 6, and it received unanimous backing from councillors. If approved by the state government, Aligarh’s transformation into Harigarh will mark another instance of altering the cultural and historical fabric of the region. In the 12th century, Aligarh, then known as Kol, emerged as a significant city within the Delhi Sultanate and later, the Mughal Empire. Functioning as a pivotal political and economic hub, the city underwent substantial reconstruction during the 16th century, notably with the renovation of the Aligarh Fort. Throughout its history, Aligarh underwent several name changes before ultimately adopting its present name in the mid-1700s.
Aligarh holds historical importance primarily due to the establishment of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, later becoming the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). AMU played a pivotal role in nurturing a sense of Muslim identity and fostering political awareness among its students. The university became a platform for discussions and debates on issues related to the rights of Muslims in a predominantly Hindu-majority society. Many prominent leaders and intellectuals associated with AMU actively participated in the Pakistan movement, advocating for the establishment of a separate nation for Muslims to safeguard their cultural, educational, and political rights. The university’s role in shaping the intellectual discourse and political aspirations of Muslims contributed significantly to the eventual realization of Pakistan as an independent state. This move of name changing, follows a pattern set by the BJP government, which has not only targeted city names but also projects and schemes, including the notable renaming of the Purvanchal Expressway.
The zeal for renaming extends beyond Aligarh, as other cities like Agra and Muzaffarnagar have also been suggested for rebranding, with proposals like Agrawan or Agarwal for Agra and Laxmi Nagar for Muzaffarnagar. However, beneath the surface of these renaming endeavors lies a broader issue – the BJP government’s promotion of Hindutva and the perception of an increasing anti-Muslim campaign. The renaming of Faizabad and Allahabad has stirred controversy and prompted further calls from BJP leaders to rename cities across the country. Critics argue that these initiatives contribute to the amplification of anti-Muslim sentiments in India. The environment influenced by the BJP’s promotion of Hindutva has led to incidents such as mosque attacks and vandalism of Muslims’ homes. These actions make it increasingly challenging for the Muslim community to thrive, raising concerns about the impact of anti-Islamic behavior perpetuated by the BJP and some extremist Hindu factions. As the debate over the renaming of Aligarh continues, it remains a symbol of the broader socio-political landscape in India, where questions of identity, cultural heritage, and communal harmony are intricately woven into the fabric of public discourse.