Nazli Siddique
Independent Journalist
The renaming, or rather rebranding, of Indian towns, cities, and even states is not a recent phenomenon. In recent times, several Indian cities have witnessed changes in their names for various reasons.
For instance, Gurgaon was transformed into Gurugram, Bangalore became Bengaluru, and Allahabad was rechristened as Prayagraj. These changes were accompanied by a range of explanations, including the desire to give the city a fresh image and criticism from those attributing the transformations to Hindu nationalistic trends.
Notably, even some members of the BJP have referred to Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar. Recently, MP Tejasvi Surya made various post on platform X where he mentioned, “In Bhagyanagar today, met @BJP4India Nat’l GS & MP Shri @bandisanjay_bjp Ji & took guidance on Yuva Morcha’s initiatives in Telangana. His work in developing karyakartas from grassroots will definitely play a vital role in the upcoming elections in Telangana.”
https://x.com/Tejasvi_Surya/status/1712465920143360349?s=20
Certainly, Tejasvi Surya and the BJP’s actions are viewed by some as contributing to cultural changes in India, Cultural Genocide.
CULTURAL GENOCIDE
In a 2018 article in “THE HINDU” by Apoorvanand, a professor at Delhi University, it was argued that the process of renaming places and reclaiming monuments amounts to a form of cultural genocide. While some may consider this term extreme, it was explained that Raphael Lemkin, the originator of the term “genocide,” regarded the destruction of a group’s culture as equally significant as the physical extermination of its members. Lemkin’s perspective emphasized that a nation’s cultural and intellectual vitality is derived from its various national groups, and a nation is built on cooperative collaboration and unique contributions rooted in genuine traditions, culture, and a well-developed national psychology.
The destruction of a nation not only results in the loss of its future contributions to the world but also represents a setback in the progress of civilization. Progress is characterized by respecting and appreciating the national characteristics and qualities of different nations that enrich world culture. These attributes should not be measured solely in terms of national power or wealth.
The importance of original contributions and genuine traditions, as highlighted by Lemkin, was stressed. It was argued that a community’s sense of identity is undermined when it is made to believe that it has not made any genuine, original contributions to the cultural life of the nation. The efforts to remove Muslim influences from India were seen as sending a message to the Muslim community that they have not played a role in the nation’s cultural development and that this nation is not the result of cooperation between different religious communities.
Now, Hyderabad has emerged as the world’s most dynamic city, performing better on parameters like socio-economic and commercial real estate, according to global property consultant JLL India.
Rocket speed real estate activity has catapulted Hyderabad into the world’s most dynamic city edging out 129 other cities across the globe, revealed JLL’s City Momentum Index. Hyderabad recorded the highest office net absorption in (as a proportion of available stock) of any city globally, while it is also among the world’s best-performing for prime office rental growth,” the report stated the momentum to a thriving technology sector.
Historical background
The city of Hyderabad was founded by the Qutb Shahi sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 CE.
The Asaf Jahi rulers held a prominent role in the socio-economic transformation of the Telangana region during the 19th and 20th centuries. The years between 1869 and 1911 were particularly significant in the history of Hyderabad State as it witnessed extensive British influence across various aspects of life, including administration, education, the economy, politics, and social structures.
Under the rule of the sixth and seventh Nizams, numerous reforms were introduced to modernize both the State and society. The Salar Jung reforms, in particular, laid the groundwork for modernizing the administrative system, socio-economic development, and the educational system. This era also marked the initiation of modern transportation and communication systems such as railways, roads, electricity, air travel, irrigation, and reservoirs. Notably, many of the key public buildings in Hyderabad City were constructed during the reign of the 6th and 7th Nizams. These rulers also actively supported art, architecture, and culture, which became integral to Telangana’s regional identity.
The last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was renowned for his immense wealth, making him one of the world’s richest individuals. He was also known for his remarkable jewelry collection and economic reforms. During his rule, Hyderabad State experienced significant advancements in irrigation projects, the establishment of large-scale modern industries, and the founding of educational institutions, such as Osmania University with Urdu as the medium of instruction. His reign also witnessed a rise in socio-cultural awareness and movements advocating for the democratization of the civil and political systems.
The period spanning from 1853 to 1948, under the rule of the 6th and 7th Nizams, was characterized by notable developments in socio-economic and cultural domains within Hyderabad State. One of the most notable achievements during this era was the maintenance of peace, security, and stability in the region. The reign of the 6th Nizam saw a significant constitutional change known as the “Qanooncha-e-Mubarak,” which introduced the Executive Council of the State (Cabinet Council) and the Legislative Council. These changes marked the beginnings of constitutional reforms in the State, paving the way for further progress.
Is the BJP’s choice to rename Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar a way of discrediting the Nizam’s contributions to the city and region?
The move to rename Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar can be seen as a contentious decision that risks discrediting the contributions of the Nizams to the city and region. The Nizams played a crucial role in shaping the identity and development of Hyderabad, leaving behind a legacy that is a testament to their vision and leadership.
Critics argue that such renaming can send a message to the community that has historically lived and thrived in the region, suggesting that their contributions are not valued. It is important to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultural and historical influences that have shaped Hyderabad into the dynamic city it is today. Renaming should be approached with sensitivity to preserve the rich history and acknowledge the contributions of all communities.In the face of global recognition as the world’s most dynamic city, it is essential to remember that progress is not just about economic success but also about respecting and appreciating the historical and cultural heritage of a place. The decision to rename Hyderabad, therefore, carries with it a weight of cultural significance and should be considered carefully to avoid erasing the contributions of the Nizams and other communities that have contributed to the city’s rich heritage.