In a significant move reflecting the ongoing debate on historical narratives and cultural identity, BJP Members of Parliament Dinesh Sharma and Krishan Pal Gurjar have renamed their residence address from ‘Tughlaq Lane’ to ‘Swami Vivekananda Marg’ in Delhi. The renaming of roads, particularly those linked to figures from the medieval era, has been a topic of discussion in recent years, as several leaders push to replace names associated with rulers perceived as oppressive with those of Indian cultural and historical icons.

The Renaming Decision

The decision to rename Tughlaq Lane follows a broader pattern seen in multiple cities across India, where names linked to the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal era are being replaced with those of nationalist leaders, saints, and reformers.

• Tughlaq Lane, located in Lutyens' Delhi, is home to several high-profile politicians.
• BJP MPs Dinesh Sharma and Krishan Pal Gurjar initiated the renaming, choosing Swami Vivekananda, a revered philosopher and spiritual leader, as the new namesake.
• This change is being seen as part of the BJP’s effort to reshape historical narratives in alignment with its ideology.

The Debate: Cultural Reclamation vs. Historical Erasure

The renaming has sparked a polarizing debate among political circles, historians, and the general public.

Supporters’ Perspective

• Advocates argue that Tughlaq was a tyrannical ruler whose governance led to widespread suffering and instability.
• They believe renaming roads after figures like Swami Vivekananda is a way of honoring Indian heritage and promoting national pride.
• This move is seen as part of a larger cultural reclamation process, where Indian icons are given prominence over rulers with contentious legacies.

Critics’ Perspective

• Opponents argue that history should not be rewritten based on modern political narratives.
• Some historians believe that Muhammad bin Tughlaq, while known for his controversial policies, was also a visionary ruler in certain aspects.
• There are concerns that constant renaming could lead to historical erasure, where past events and figures are removed from public memory rather than understood in context.

Previous Renaming Controversies

This is not the first instance of road renaming in Delhi or other parts of India. In the past, the government has approved similar changes, including:

• Aurangzeb Road → Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road
• Dalhousie Road → Dara Shikoh Road
• Race Course Road → Lok Kalyan Marg

Each renaming has triggered discussions on whose history should be celebrated and how India's colonial and medieval past should be remembered.

Political Reactions

• BJP leaders have welcomed the renaming, calling it a step towards decolonizing Indian streets and reclaiming cultural heritage.
• Opposition parties, including the Congress and AAP, have criticized the move, accusing the BJP of prioritizing symbolic gestures over pressing governance issues.
• Academicians and historians remain divided, with some viewing this as a necessary cultural shift, while others warn against historical revisionism.

The Road Ahead

The renaming of historical roads and landmarks is likely to continue as part of a larger movement to redefine India’s historical narrative. While some see this as a celebration of Indian heritage, others worry that it may lead to a selective representation of history.

The decision to rename Tughlaq Lane as Swami Vivekananda Marg is yet another example of how history, politics, and identity intersect in contemporary India. As this trend gains momentum, the conversation around preserving versus reinterpreting history is expected to remain a hotly debated topic.