In a move invoking India’s civilisational heritage, Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal has urged the Central government to restore Delhi’s ancient name — Indraprastha. In a formal letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Khandelwal said the renaming would be a symbolic act of “historical justice and cultural revival,” reconnecting modern India’s capital with its ancient roots mentioned in the Mahabharata.

Khandelwal’s proposal goes beyond the city’s name. He has also recommended that the Old Delhi Railway Station be renamed “Indraprastha Junction” and the Indira Gandhi International Airport as “Indraprastha Airport”. Additionally, he has called for the installation of grand statues of the Pandavas at a prominent location in the city to honour Delhi’s mythological origins as the capital established by them.

“Delhi is not merely a modern capital — it is the living legacy of Indraprastha, where governance was guided by dharma, ethics and public welfare,” Khandelwal wrote in his letter, copies of which were sent to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ram Mohan Naidu, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The BJP MP argued that historical records, archaeological findings, and cultural traditions consistently identify Delhi as the site of ancient Indraprastha — a city renowned for its prosperity, organisation, and adherence to the principles of righteous governance.

Khandelwal drew parallels with other Indian cities that have been restored to their traditional names, such as Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Ujjain, and Varanasi, saying Delhi too deserves to reclaim its original identity. “Restoring the name Indraprastha will reaffirm India’s civilisational continuity and cultural confidence, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Bharat’s cultural resurgence,” he said.

He further proposed that the installation of the Pandavas’ statues would serve as a reminder of India’s timeless values — courage, sacrifice, justice and unity — while inspiring younger generations to draw from their moral and historical legacy.

Khandelwal also noted that names like “Indraprastha Airport” and “Indraprastha Junction” would help project India’s ancient heritage on the global stage, potentially boosting religious and cultural tourism and benefiting local trade.