Patna: A renewed debate over renaming several cities in Bihar has gained momentum after spiritual leader Sadhguru suggested that Patna should be called “Pataliputra,” its ancient name, saying it reflects the city’s rich heritage and cultural identity.
During his recent visit to Patna, Sadhguru remarked that the name “Pataliputra” evokes pride and connects people with their historical roots. He explained that “Patali” is the name of a flower and “Pataliputra” means “the offspring of the Patali flower.”
His remarks have reignited discussions over renaming not only Patna but also four other cities in Bihar—Bakhtiyarpur, Aurangabad, Jehanabad and Sultanganj.
The issue had already gained political attention earlier this year when Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha demanded that Patna officially be renamed Pataliputra.
Why the Demand Is Gaining Momentum
The demand has intensified following the formation of the new Bihar government led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Supporters point to similar renaming exercises carried out in Uttar Pradesh, where Allahabad was renamed Prayagraj and Faizabad became Ayodhya.
Advocates argue that restoring historical names would strengthen Bihar’s cultural identity and reconnect cities with their ancient heritage.
Cities Where Renaming Has Been Proposed
Patna to Pataliputra
Patna was historically known as Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya and Emperor Ashoka. Historians regard it as one of the world’s most prosperous cities during Ashoka’s reign.
Supporters of the proposal say restoring the ancient name would honour the city’s historical significance. The demand has also received support from several political leaders in the past, while the state government has already proposed naming a planned satellite township near Patna as “Pataliputra.”
Bakhtiyarpur to Vyaspur or Magadh Dwar
Activists have sought to rename Bakhtiyarpur as “Vyaspur” or “Magadh Dwar,” claiming the area was historically associated with Maharishi Ved Vyasa.
Campaigners also argue that the present name is linked to Bakhtiyar Khilji, who is widely believed to have destroyed the ancient Nalanda University.
Aurangabad to Dev Dham or Aditya Nagar
There have been longstanding demands to rename Aurangabad as “Dev Dham” or “Aditya Nagar” in recognition of the famous Deo Sun Temple, one of Bihar’s most revered religious sites dedicated to the Sun God.
Supporters argue that the proposed names better reflect the city’s religious and cultural identity.
Jehanabad to Mandavi Nagar
Some organisations have proposed renaming Jehanabad as “Mandavi Nagar,” citing legends that associate the region with Mandavi, the wife of Lord Rama’s brother Bharat.
The proposal seeks to revive what supporters claim was the area’s ancient identity.
Sultanganj to Ajgaibinath
In Bhagalpur district, there is a demand to rename Sultanganj as “Ajgaibinath,” after the famous Ajgaibinath Temple situated on a rock in the Ganga River.
The town is an important pilgrimage centre during the annual Kanwar Yatra, with devotees collecting holy water before undertaking the 120-kilometre journey to Deoghar. Two years ago, the local railway station was renamed Ajgaibinath Dham.
How a City’s Name Is Officially Changed
Changing the name of a city involves a multi-stage approval process. A proposal must first be initiated by elected representatives or the state government and approved by the state legislature.
It is then sent to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for approval. After obtaining no-objection clearances from agencies such as the Ministry of Railways, the Department of Posts, the Intelligence Bureau and the Survey of India, the Centre issues a notification. The state government subsequently publishes the final notification in its official gazette.
Cost of Renaming
Renaming a city involves significant administrative expenditure, including updating official records, government documents, road signage, railway stations, maps and public infrastructure.
When Allahabad was renamed Prayagraj in 2018, the exercise reportedly cost around Rs 300 crore. A similar renaming exercise for major cities in Bihar could involve comparable expenditure, depending on the scale of implementation.
While the proposals have sparked public debate over history, identity and heritage, no official decision has yet been taken by the Bihar government to rename any of the five cities.
