After Allahabad's renaming, Shimla might be renamed to Shyamala
It seems like Shimla is set to join the increasingly long list of Indian cities that have been renamed. Following the renaming of Allahabad to Prayagraj, some right-wing Hindu groups in Himachal Pradesh have launched a campaign demanding that the state capital be renamed from Shimla to Shyamala. However, not everyone is convinced that a renaming should take place. Here's more.
Shimla was British India's summer capital for almost 200 years
The area of present-day Shimla was annexed by Nepalese ruler Bhimsen Thapa in 1806. In 1816, the British East India Company took control of the territory following the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16). Subsequently, in 1864, Shimla was named the summer capital of British India, and remained so till Independence in 1947.
The BJP thinks Shimla should revert to its 'historic name'
Speaking to news agency PTI, BJP leader and state health minister Vipin Singh Parmar tried justifying why Shimla should be renamed. Parmar contended that many Indian cities used to have ancient, historic names, but were later re-christened by the British. Hence, reverting to the original names would cause no harm. He added that if there was consensus, Shimla would indeed be renamed.
Congress calls out the BJP government for its frivolous antics
However, senior Himachal Pradesh Congress leader Harbhajan Singh Bhajji (not to be confused with the cricketer) raised questions about the renaming proposal. Bhajji, vehemently opposing the renaming proposal, argued that renaming Shimla would destroy the city's historical identity. He added that the BJP-led state government should focus on the state's development rather than engaging in frivolous activities like renaming Shimla.
Social media is divided on whether Shimla should be renamed
Meanwhile, ever since the campaign to rename Shimla was launched by right-wing Hindu groups, social media has been abuzz with discussions on the issue. The debate on whether Shimla should be renamed has left public opinion divided in Himachal Pradesh, with many supporting the renaming proposal, and many calling it unnecessary and inane.
