The Maharashtra government has recently announced the renaming of Ahmednagar district to Ahilyadevi Nagar in honor of the 18th-century warrior-queen Ahilyadevi Holkar. This decision is seen as a significant step to appease and empower the Dhangar community, which holds considerable numerical strength in Maharashtra’s population. The move is part of a larger strategy by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to diversify its support base and reduce the dominance of the Maratha community in the state’s politics.
Ahmednagar, like Aurangabad and Osmanabad, derives its name from historical figures associated with Islamic rule. The renaming of these districts reflects a broader trend of dissociating names that have Islamic connotations in favor of indigenous cultural and historical figures. The decision to rename Ahmednagar as Ahilyadevi Nagar follows a similar pattern and aligns with the BJP’s pro-Hindutva stance.
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The Dhangar community, consisting of pastoralist sheep herders and farmers, is considered the second-largest caste cluster in Maharashtra after the Maratha-Kunbi caste combine. With an estimated population of 12-15%, they hold significant numerical strength and play a crucial role in the state’s politics. However, despite their numbers, the Dhangars have had limited political representation in recent years.
The decision to rename Ahmednagar as Ahilyadevi Nagar serves multiple objectives. Firstly, it recognizes and honors the historical legacy of Ahilyadevi Holkar, a revered figure among the Dhangar community. Secondly, it is a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen its support base among the Dhangars and OBC groups, thereby reducing the political dominance of the Marathas. By renaming districts with Islamic associations, the BJP aims to create a cultural and historical narrative aligned with its pro-Hindutva ideology.
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