Patna: In New Delhi, the National President of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, Upendra Kushwaha, has called for Patna to be renamed Pataliputra, reviving the ancient name of the city that once served as the capital of the Mauryan empire. He raised the issue during the debate on the motion of thanks on the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha.
He said Pataliputra was the historic capital of the Mauryan dynasty and is known today as Patna. He argued that the ancient name evokes pride and a sense of historical continuity, and urged the government to consider restoring it to honour India’s civilisational heritage.
Referring to the President’s address, Upendra Kushwaha said recalling the achievements and contributions of past generations can inspire the youth and accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. He described the period of India’s ancient prosperity as the era when the country was known as the “Golden Bird”.
He also highlighted the territorial expanse of the Mauryan empire, saying its boundaries once extended across present-day Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Nepal. He said symbols of that glorious past still exist and called on the government to revive awareness of those chapters of history, adding that he would place several suggestions before the authorities.
