Patna: Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) president Upendra Kushwaha has reignited the long-standing demand to rename Patna as Pataliputra, invoking the legacy of the Maurya Empire and Bihar’s ancient status as a global centre of power, knowledge and administration.
Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha on February 3 during the discussion on the President’s Address, Kushwaha said the very mention of “Pataliputra” fills one with pride. He described the demand not merely as a change of name, but as an effort to restore Bihar’s historical dignity and self-respect.
“In the Mauryan era, India’s boundaries stretched from present-day Afghanistan to Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. At that time, Bihar—especially Pataliputra—was the nerve centre of governance, intellect and culture. It is our duty to wipe the dust off history and reconnect future generations with that glory,” Kushwaha said.
He compared the proposal with earlier renamings such as Calcutta to Kolkata, Orissa to Odisha, and Bombay to Mumbai, arguing that changing Patna to Pataliputra would strengthen Bihar’s historical identity at the national level.
What Is the Process to Rename a City?
As per established procedure, the authority to rename a city lies with the state government. The process begins with a proposal approved by the state Cabinet, followed by clearance from the state assembly. Once passed, it is sent to the Union Home Ministry, which seeks no-objection certificates (NOCs) from various departments such as Railways, Postal Services and the Ministry of Road Transport. After all approvals, the name change is officially notified.
So far, more than 250 places across 21 states have been renamed since Independence.
How Much Would It Cost?
Though an exact figure is difficult to estimate, experts say renaming Patna could cost over Rs 300 crore, based on the expenditure incurred when Allahabad was renamed Prayagraj in 2018. The cost includes changing signboards, official documents, railway station names, highway signage and records across government departments, funded through public money.
Why the Demand for ‘Pataliputra’?
Supporters of the move argue that Pataliputra symbolises India’s ancient cultural and political heritage. It was the capital of the Maurya Empire under emperors like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, whose reign marked the peak of administrative and philosophical influence in South Asia. The Ashoka Pillar remains a national symbol of sovereignty.
Political Undercurrents
Political analysts, however, see deeper caste and electoral calculations behind the demand. Analyst Sanjay Singh said Kushwaha’s repeated references to the Maurya dynasty and Emperor Ashoka resonate strongly with the Koeri (Kushwaha) community.
“Upendra Kushwaha belongs to the Koeri community and holds influence over it. By invoking Ashoka and Pataliputra, he is blending cultural pride with political mobilisation, especially at a time when rival parties are also courting the same voter base,” Singh said.
The Koeri community, which makes up around 4.2 percent of Bihar’s population, is considered a decisive factor in 40 to 45 Assembly constituencies across regions such as Magadh, Shahabad, Purnea, Bhagalpur-Banka and Bettiah-Motihari.
How Did Patna Get Its Name?
Historically, Patna was known as Pataliputra. One account says the city was named after the Patali tree, which once grew in abundance in the area. Another legend credits King Patraka, who is said to have built the city for his queen Patali.
Archaeological evidence dates the city’s origins to around 490 BCE, when Haryanka dynasty ruler Ajatashatru shifted his capital from Rajgriha to Pataliputra for strategic reasons. Surrounded by the Ganga, Son and Punpun rivers, it became a fortified centre of power.
During Sher Shah Suri’s reign, the city was called “Patna” (from “Patan”), and the British later formalised the name. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb renamed it Azimabad in 1704 in honour of his grandson Mohammad Azim, though the name Patna eventually prevailed.
For now, the demand remains political and symbolic, but it has once again sparked a debate over identity, history and the cost of rewriting the map.
