Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday announced in the state assembly that the names of three cities in the state will be changed. The announcement has drawn strong public attention as it involves well-known cities and towns.
Which three cities renamed?
Sharing details during the session, the Chief Minister stated that the popular hill station Mount Abu will now be known as Abu Raj. He also announced that Jahazpur will now be referred to as Yagyapur, and Kama has been renamed to Kamvan.
Know about Mount Abu, Jahazpur and Kama
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. It is perched on the Aravalli Range and serves as a major tourist and pilgrimage destination in western India. Known for its cool climate, serene lakes and lush green landscapes, the city attracts visitors throughout the year.
Jahazpur is a historic town located in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan and is known for its strong cultural and religious significance. The city holds deep roots in Rajput and medieval history, with several ancient temples, stepwells and heritage structures spread across the region.
Kama is a prominent town in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. It is known for its cultural heritage and its deep association with the Braj region. The city holds religious significance due to its proximity to several important pilgrimage sites linked to Lord Krishna.
UP and Delhi have also seen multiple name changes
Several BJP-ruled states have undertaken similar decisions in recent years. In Uttar Pradesh, Faizabad was renamed as Ayodhya, while Allahabad became Prayagraj. Several other locations have also undergone name changes over time. Even the Delhi government recently approved fresh names for multiple localities and metro stations. These include Uttari Pitampura-Prashant Vihar (formerly Prashant Vihar), Jagatpur-Wazirabad (formerly Jagatpur), Nanak Piau-Derawal Nagar (formerly Derawal Nagar), Khanpur-Vayusainabad (formerly Khanpur), Nanaksar-Sonia Vihar (formerly Sonia Vihar), Shri Ram Mandir Mayur Vihar (formerly Mayur Vihar Pocket-1) and Mangolpur Kalan-West Enclave (formerly West Enclave).
Kerala to be officially known as Keralam
Recently, the Union Cabinet also approved the proposal of the Kerala government to rename the state as "Keralam". In Malayalam, the word "Kera" refers to the coconut tree and "Alam" means land. Together, the name signifies "the land of coconut trees", which aligns closely with the region's natural identity. Notably, Malayalam-speaking citizens have been referring to the state as "Keralam" for years, even though the official name remained "Kerala". With the central government's approval, it is expected that the formal adoption of the name "Keralam" will take place soon.
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