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A recent example is the renaming of Gaya in Bihar to "Gaya Ji." This movement is widespread, impacting both major cities and significant religious sites. The following provides an overview of some notable renaming and their underlying motivations.
The historic city of Gaya in Bihar, a significant pilgrimage site for hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees annually, has officially been renamed 'Gaya Ji.' This change, recently approved by the state government, formalizes the name to reflect the deep reverence and spiritual importance already associated with the city, particularly in ancestral rituals.
In 2016, Gurgaon was officially renamed Gurugram, a change made to emphasize its mythological origins. Ancient texts suggest this land was a gift to Guru Dronacharya. While the city is now recognized for its rapid urban development, its new name serves as a reminder of its rich historical and cultural importance.
In 1996, Bombay was renamed Mumbai to honor the city's indigenous roots. The name "Mumbai" is derived from Mumba Devi, a local goddess revered by the Koli fishing community. This change also marked a significant step away from its colonial-era designation.
In 2001, Calcutta was officially renamed Kolkata. This change was made to better align the city's name with its Bengali pronunciation and cultural identity. As a city renowned as India's intellectual hub, this renaming was part of a broader initiative to promote regional language and foster local pride.
In 2014, Mysore was officially renamed Mysuru. This change was made to better align with the Kannada language and to emphasize the region's rich mythological heritage. The name is deeply connected to the legend of Mahishasura and Goddess Chamundeshwari, who are central figures in local culture.
In 2014, the city's name officially transitioned from the Anglicized Mangalore to Mangaluru. This change, which stems from the goddess Mangaladevi, officially recognized the name long used by locals in the Kannada-speaking region.
In 2006, Bangalore, a city recognized globally for its thriving tech industry, was officially renamed Bengaluru. This change was enacted to honor the city's historical origins and revert to its original Kannada name, which dates back to the 9th century.
In 1996, Madras was renamed Chennai. This new name is believed to be connected to the ancient settlement of Chennapattinam. The change brought the city's identity in line with its Tamil heritage, as part of a broader initiative to shed British-era names.
In 2006, the Union Territory of Pondicherry was renamed Puducherry. Meaning "new town" in Tamil, this change better reflects the region's language and cultural identity. Despite the renaming, its charming French colonial architecture continues to be a defining feature.
The renaming of Orissa to Odisha brought the state's official name in line with its authentic local pronunciation. The name 'Odisha' is derived from 'Odda Visaya,' an ancient term long used to describe the region. The former spelling, 'Orissa,' was an Anglicized version from the colonial era and didn't accurately reflect the local phonetics.
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