Maha’s Ahmednagar renamed as Ahilyanagar, honouring iconic Holkar-Queen of Maratha-Malwa Kingdom

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.

• Maharashtra Cabinet approved the renaming of Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar on March 13, 2024

• Ministry of Home Affairs authorised the renaming on October 1, 2024

• Designated to honour 18th-century ruler Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar

• Follows the government's name-change trend after Aurangabad and Osmanabad

• Move aims to honour historical figures and boost regional identity

• Maharani Ahilyabai was the Holkar Queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom

• Born in the village of Chaundi, in present-day Ahmednagar (31 May, 1725 – 13 August, 1795)

• Was trained in military operations, known for her wisdom and administrative skills

• Ruled Malwa for 28 years (11 December, 1767 - 1794)

• Established a textile industry in Maheshwar, leading to today's popular Maheshwari sarees

• Ahmednagar is also known as 'Land of Saints'

• Maharashtra’s largest district by geographical area

• Must-visit historical Ahmednagar Fort, Cavalry Tank Museum, Five Stone Gates and Dhokeshwar Caves, when here

• By road, 5 hr 46 min (261.2 km) away from Mumbai