India Renames Locations to Reclaim Historical Identity

Key summary

Following the removal of Article 370 in August 2019 and a broader effort to restore historical names, India has renamed several locations previously associated with Muslim rulers or Islamic terminology. The city of Allahabad is now Prayagraj; Aurangzeb Road is named after Abdul Kalam, a former president and scientist; Aurangabad is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar; Osmanabad is Dharashiv. The article notes that for over 1,300 years, India faced invasions by various groups including Arabs, Persians, Portuguese, and the British, with Muslim and British rule causing significant disruption. It mentions that early Muslim invaders arrived around 708-711 AD led by Muhammad bin Qasim from Syria. The text states that during roughly 200 years of British occupation, resources were transferred to Britain, estimated at over 75 trillion dollars in contemporary value. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is credited with initiating the renaming process. The article also references Kerala and Kashmir in the context of constitutional changes.