The term ‘Mian’ is not associated with any particular religious identity but was historically granted to the Goleriya Rajputs, say Rajputs of Tehri district
Team Clarion
Dehradun-The Uttarakhand government’s recent decision to rename 17 places across four districts—Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar—has ignited a heated debate, particularly over the renaming of Mianwala in Dehradun to Ramjiwala. The move has drawn strong reactions from different communities, with social media abuzz with discussions and opposition.
The controversy over Mianwala’s renaming is not just a political issue but also a question of historical identity. Several Rajput groups, particularly from Tehri, have expressed their discontent, arguing that the name Mianwala is deeply rooted in their history and has no connection to the Muslim community. They insist that ‘Mian’ was a title bestowed upon Rajputs of Tehri by the rulers of the region in recognition of their service and kinship.
The Rajputs of Tehri district have taken a firm stand against the renaming. According to them, the term ‘Mian’ is not associated with any particular religious identity but was historically granted to the Goleriya Rajputs.
One of the prominent voices against the name change is historian and journalist Sheshar Pal Gosai, who has penned an article detailing the history of Mianwala and its significance. “The estate of Mianwala was granted to Rajputs by the Rajas of Tehri as a mark of respect. This is a historical reality that should not be altered for political reasons,” he stated.
Local Rajput leaders argue that their ancestors received the land from Raja Pradeep Shah of Tehri, who awarded vast estates to the Goleriya Rajputs of Himachal Pradesh. This land grant was not just a gift but a recognition of their services and contributions to the state. “We strongly oppose this name change. It disregards history and hurts our identity,” said Tehri-based Rajput leader Amar Singh Rawat.
While Rajput groups protest from a historical perspective, Indian Muslims view this move as part of a larger pattern of erasing Muslim-associated names and cultural heritage. Many social media users and activists argue that the government is selectively renaming places with Muslim-sounding names while ignoring others, raising concerns over religious discrimination.
“This is not just about Mianwala. Across India, we have seen a systematic attempt to remove names associated with Muslims, whether they are linked to historical figures or not. It is an attempt to rewrite history,” said social activist Faizan Ahmed.
Political observers note that renaming places has become a frequent move by the government, often justified under the pretext of restoring ‘original’ names. However, critics argue that such actions primarily target Muslim identities while ignoring historical contexts.
Social media has been flooded with debates on the renaming issue. While many Rajputs have vocally opposed the change, Hindu nationalist groups have defended it as a step towards reclaiming India’s ‘true heritage.’ The hashtag #SaveMianwala has gained traction, with many demanding the restoration of the original name.
Historian Dr. Anwar Ali commented on the trend, stating, “Renaming places is not just about changing signboards. It erases cultural memory and creates unnecessary communal tensions. If a place has existed under a certain name for generations, altering it should require a serious historical review rather than political whims.”
Despite the backlash, the Uttarakhand government remains firm in its decision. “We are merely restoring the names that reflect the culture and traditions of the region,” said a government spokesperson. “The renaming is part of a larger initiative to decolonise and revive our heritage.”
However, critics argue that the process lacks transparency and fairness. “If heritage is the concern, then why not restore names that reflect the diversity of our past? Why are only Muslim-associated names being changed?” questioned opposition leader Aamir Qureshi.
