In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has decided to rename its largest district, Ahmednagar. The district, renowned as the 'Land of Saints', will now be known as Ahilya Nagar, in tribute to the Maratha queen Ahilya Bai Holkar.

The decision to rename Ahmednagar district as Ahilya Nagar district was officially approved by the Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday, March 13.

The announcement to rename the historic district was made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on the birth anniversary of Ahilya Bai Holkar last year, on May 31. The decision aims to honor the esteemed figure who left an indelible mark on history.

Ahilya Bai Holkar, hailed as one of the most visionary female rulers of independent India, was the Queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom. She was known for her profound commitment to dharma and her contributions to the societal and industrial development of early-modern India.

Ahilya Bai's legacy includes the establishment of temples, dharmshalas (public rest houses), and the promotion of industrialization. Notably, she pioneered the textile industry in Maheshwar, famous for its Maheshwari sarees.

One of her remarkable contributions was towards the renovation and repair of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the 1780s, as highlighted by the government website 'Indian Culture'.

Ahmednagar, founded in 1494 AD by Ahmad Nizam Shah I, served as the capital of the Ahmadnagar sultanate. Over the centuries, it evolved into a major economic and political hub in the Deccan region.

During the 17th century, Ahmednagar came under the control of Emperor Akbar and later, the Maratha empire under Shivaji Maharaj. The city witnessed numerous conflicts, including Maratha-Mughal and Anglo-Maratha wars.

In the British era, Ahmednagar district was part of the Bombay Presidency. Christian missionaries, primarily from the USA, arrived in the district in the early 19th century after the British Parliament granted permission for proselytizing in areas under the control of the East India Company.

Several administrative changes occurred over the years, including the exclusion of Wani and Karmala from Ahmednagar due to the formation of Nashik and Solapur districts in 1869. Furthermore, in February 1981, the Ahmednagar District of Pune Revenue Division became part of the new revenue department Nashik.

The decision to rename Ahmednagar district to Ahilya Nagar district reflects the government's acknowledgment of historical figures and their contributions, ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come.