Residents oppose renaming of Miyawala, cite heritage and identity | CliqExplainer

A government plan to rename several places in Uttarakhand has sparked an unexpected backlash from within the ruling party’s support base, as residents of Miyawala village in Dehradun district have strongly opposed changing its name to Ramjiwala. Members of the Rajput community, who inhabit the area, have written to the district magistrate requesting the original name be retained, citing historical significance and cultural identity.

Historical roots and community protest

In a letter signed by the collective of Miyawala residents under the banner of “Samasta Miyawala Kshetrawasi”, the villagers said the name has historical relevance documented in colonial-era texts. Authors like G R C Williams in Memoirs of Dehradun (1874) and H G Walton in the Dehradun Gazetteer (1911) mention Miyawala, highlighting its longstanding identity. “Miyawala is not just a name, it is our heritage. Our roots, identity, and ancestral pride are tied to this name,” the letter states. The residents fear that renaming the village will divide the community and erase its historical context. They also urged authorities to remove posters and advertisements promoting the new name.

Political motivations and response

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had recently announced the renaming of 15 places across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts, arguing it was in line with “public sentiment” and aimed to honour Indian culture and historical icons. However, political analysts point out that the title “Miyan” linked to Miyawala traces back to the Guler Rajputs of Himachal Pradesh, who were granted the land by the Tehri Garhwal rulers. Many in the region still retain “Miyan” as part of their surname, underscoring the region’s Rajput heritage.

Namami Bansal, Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, clarified that the proposal is still under review, and the legal process will address any objections before any formal notification is issued. Meanwhile, Congress leader Ganesh Godiyal criticized the government, questioning the utility of renaming villages instead of addressing pressing issues like inflation, corruption, and unemployment. He added that the Chief Minister would be embarrassed if he understood the history behind Miyawala.

The renaming proposal has now become a flashpoint in Uttarakhand’s cultural and political discourse, with even traditional allies questioning the wisdom behind the move.

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