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Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha has demanded renaming Patna to its historical name, Pataliputra, saying cities like Mumbai and Chennai restored theirs
Located on the banks of the Ganges with wide ghats, the city served as a hub for transporting goods via large ships. (AI Generated/News18 Hindi)
As the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 approach, there is a renewed demand to revert Patna’s name to its historical identity of Pataliputra.
Patna, formerly known as Pataliputra, has been an important centre of education, culture, and politics since ancient times and served as the capital of the Magadh Empire. Renowned rulers such as Chandragupta Maurya and Emperor Ashoka governed from this historic city. Over the centuries, the city’s name has evolved. In the 16th century, Sher Shah Suri renamed Pataliputra to Patna during his reign from 1538-1545 AD.
How Pataliputra Became Patna
The name of Patna, the capital of Bihar, may sound simple, but it has an intriguing history. Around 3,000 years ago, when the area was a small village, it was called Pataligram, named after the abundance of Patali trees, a medicinal plant. As the village grew into a major city, it came to be known as Pataliputra.
The City Once Called ‘Pattan’
The city was also called ‘Pattan’ due to its commercial importance. Located on the banks of the Ganges with wide ghats, it served as a hub for transporting goods via large ships. As a port city, it came to be known as Patalipattan.
Experts believe that over time, ‘Pattan’ evolved into ‘Patna,’ leaving behind the original ‘Patali.’ This is why the city is now known as Patna, though there is a growing demand to restore its historical name.
Upendra Kushwaha Voices His Demand
Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha has called for renaming Patna to restore its historical name, Pataliputra. He argued that if cities like Mumbai and Chennai can revert to their old names, Patna should be no exception.
Kushwaha said the change would help revive Bihar’s glorious heritage and urged the state government to draft a proposal for the central government to take further action.
Kushwaha Seeks Change In Bihar
Kushwaha also spoke about his political vision, stating that if his party comes to power, his primary focus will be on the youth. He emphasised that he is not interested in politics for positions, but is committed to bringing change in Bihar. He appealed to the public for their support in the coming days.
Kushwaha’s Remarks Set Off New Debate
Kushwaha’s statement has sparked a fresh debate on the appropriateness of restoring historical names. According to political experts, it remains to be seen how the state and central governments respond to his demand.
September 06, 2025, 14:51 IST
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