Renaming railway stations and iconic landmarks: What's in a name? A battle over cultural identity, political power & history

Mumbai, a bustling metropolis known for its rich history and cultural diversity, has witnessed the renaming of several iconic places, buildings, and railway stations in recent years. The renaming of places such as Victoria Terminus to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Elphinstone Road to Prabhadevi, and Marine Lines Station to Mumbadevi has sparked mixed reactions among Mumbaikars. Another iconic structure in Delhi, the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) has officially been renamed as the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library (PMML) Society.

While some see it as a step toward reclaiming the heritage and honouring local icons, others feel it disrupts the city's identity or creates confusion.

A matter of pride and heritage

For many, changing the names of locations to represent local history and culture serves as a tribute to Marathi icons and traditions. Suresh Phalke, a Dadar resident, voiced his support: "It's not just about changing names, it's about reclaiming our heritage. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great warrior, and naming one of the busiest railway stations in his honor is a matter of pride for all of Maharashtra."

Supporters of renaming believe that this is part of the broader effort to decolonise spaces that still bear the remnants of British colonial rule. "Victoria Terminus reflected a colonial past, but renaming it to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus reflects the spirit of Maharashtra's history," said Radhika Mehshram, a college student. "It's a statement of our identity."

Nostalgia and the city's legacy

However, not everyone feels the same way. There is a deep sense of nostalgia associated with the older names. Many Mumbaikars feel that the city's charm and legacy lie in the historical significance of its original names. Rahul Jain, a businessman from South Mumbai, expressed his concern: "These names have been part of our lives for decades. We grew up knowing Victoria Terminus and Elphinstone Road. Changing them erases part of our history."

Some also feel that renaming iconic places can create confusion, particularly for people who have known these landmarks by their old names for many years. "It's difficult for older generations to adapt," said Shanta Iyer, a Matunga resident. Iyer said that she still prefers to call it VT, "even though it has officially been renamed CSMT. For us, the old names carry memories and significance."

Economic and practical considerations

Beyond sentiment, the renaming of places comes with logistical challenges and economic implications. Businesses and local authorities need to update signages, official documents, and maps, which adds to costs. Vijay Patankar, a shop owner in Prabhadevi, shared his concerns: "The renaming of Elphinstone Road to Prabhadevi was a good move culturally, but it caused a lot of confusion for months. I had to update all my business records, and people were confused about the station's new name."

A political move?

For some Mumbaikars, the renaming of places is seen as a political move, with parties vying to cement their influence by associating their icons with prominent landmarks. Suman M, an IT professional from Girgaon, remarked: "There's a political angle to all this. It's about which party can claim credit for naming something after their hero. It's less about the city and more about the politics behind it."

What do political leaders have to say:

Maharashtra Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe slammed the Maharashtra and Central governments, saying that both governments only focus on emotional politics rather than economic development.

"This government prioritises emotional politics over economic development. This approach does not lead to infrastructural growth or development, making the renaming of iconic places, buildings, and stations pointless. It will not yield political success. What people want is genuine development. The BJP lacks a clear vision on how to take a global city like Mumbai forward," Londhe told Mid-Day.

While speaking to Mid-Day, Shiv Sena Secretary and Spokesperson Kiran Pawaskar criticised the people for questioning the renaming of iconic places and stations.

Pawaskar said that he fails to understand why the decision to rename iconic places and stations is a cause for concern. "Citizens should take pride in this decision instead of questioning it. Take, for example, the renaming of Elphinstone Road Station, which was originally named by the British, to Prabhadevi - now, people can better relate to the name. The country's situation was difficult, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed India's image globally. Names matter because they reflect our identity," Pawaskar said.

He further said that another example is the renaming of Sandhurst Road Station, previously named after a British official, Lord Sandhurst, to Dongri, which resonates more with the city's heritage. "India has made significant progress in every field since the Britishers left. So, why should our stations or iconic places still bear their names? The next generation should understand why these names were changed, so they can feel more connected to the roots of our nation. Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray often spoke about this need for change," he said.

"I fail to understand why are people opposing this decision. Those who are opposing this decision should reflect on whether they truly care about their country and Mumbai. Those who do will agree that places should be named after those who built this nation and state. We cannot have every place named after Indira Gandhi or Rajiv Gandhi," Pawaskar added.

Balancing tradition and progress

In a city as dynamic and evolving as Mumbai, balancing tradition with progress is a challenge. While many support the renaming of places as a way to reflect the state's culture and legacy, others feel it's unnecessary and creates confusion in the daily lives of citizens.

Ultimately, what resonates most with Mumbaikars is the deep connection they have with their city's history - whether that history is reflected in its old names or its new ones. Mumbai, after all, is a city of contrasts, where the old and the new coexist, and its people continue to adapt and evolve, just like the names of its iconic places.