On October 4, 2024, the Union Home Ministry approved renaming Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district to Ahilyanagar. This change honours the legacy of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, the esteemed 18th-century ruler of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
This renaming is part of a broader initiative by the government, which has also changed Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv.
Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar: Key Details
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Maharashtra Cabinet approved the renaming of Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar on March 13, 2024
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Ministry of Home Affairs authorised the renaming on October 1, 2024
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Designated to honour 18th-century ruler Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar
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Follows the government’s name-change trend after Aurangabad and Osmanabad
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Move aims to honour historical figures and boost regional identity
Highlights: About Ahilyabai Holkar, Ahmednagar Overview & More
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Maharani Ahilyabai was the Holkar Queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom
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Born in the village of Chaundi, in present-day Ahmednagar (31 May, 1725 – 13 August, 1795)
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Was trained in military operations, known for her wisdom and administrative skills
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Ruled Malwa for 28 years (11 December, 1767 – 1794)
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Established a textile industry in Maheshwar, leading to today’s popular Maheshwari sarees
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Ahmednagar is also known as ‘Land of Saints’
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Maharashtra’s largest district by geographical area
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Must-visit historical Ahmednagar Fort, Cavalry Tank Museum, Five Stone Gates and Dhokeshwar Caves, when here
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By road, 5 hr 46 min (261.2 km) away from Mumbai
