The Muslim invaders who invaded India date back from the 11th to 16th century A.D. After that the Muslim rulers in India have a history of over 300 years. They have contributed a lot to the art, architecture and literature of the country. Yes, the destruction of Rajput Empire, the historic Nalanda University can never be forgotten. It was a crucial and devastating action by those invaders, also another heinous crime was the genocide of several Indian civilians. This may lead us into a fact that we, as Indians, should not name anything of our culture in their names. Of course, we cannot begin naming anything in the name of Muslim invaders now, but many of our leaders and politicians today are eradicating the names which were given hundreds of years before also
Recent example could be cited of district of Prayagraj- earlier it was called “Allahabad” which was named by Mughal ruler Akbar. He originally named it “Illahabas” combining the Arabic word ‘illahi’ meaning ‘divine’ and Hindustani word “baas” meaning home or abode. Which gave this city a very pleasant meaning: the divine abode. But recently the name was changed to “Prayagraj” citing the Hinduttva or breeding of Hindu culture in the city.
Now many would ask what did Akbar do significant enough for the city? He was not only moved by the serenity of the divine atmosphere witnessed here at the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati during the Kumbh Mela, but also Akbar secured the city with an imposing fort (called the Akbar Fort) overlooking the sacred waterway (Sangam). By this action he put an end to the long-established practice of ritual suicide by penitent Hindus.
It is not wrong that the Muslim invaders committed atrocities in our country for a very long period, but after that when the good rulers began ruling, they built this country as their own. They contributed a lot towards the varying culture, the new architecture which was never seen and a new kind of literature. Thus, in my opinion, it is wrong to generalize. We could keep the names those were given earlier to the particular buildings, roads and heritage sites. After all, they are officially known by those names.
A country like India celebrates ‘unity in diversity’. We had shown great unity during the invasion of Muslims, the First Sepoy Revolt of 1857, the Independence movement and we should continue to uphold that virtue. We must use our mind and soul in the path of betterment of the country, in adding to its rich culture and heritage.
We’ve always been famous for this quality ‘being one despite of being diverse’. It is our fundamental quality and strength. So, instead of hampering what adds to the richness of our nation, we must save our virtue.
However, at the end, this is a subjective decision and everyone should voice their opinion without spreading hatred.
