Dara Shikoh Road

Dara Shikoh Road is a name given to a road in Central Delhi which was earlier named after Lord Dalhousie to honour muslim prince and heir apparent of Shah Jahan Dara Shikoh.This road is located just 2 km from Rashrapathi bhavan.

Background

The renaming of roads is a part of India's attempt to go away with its colonial past.This was the third time that the NDMC has renamed a road in less than two years. In 2015, Aurangzeb Road was named as APJ Abdul Kalam Road. Race Course Road, where the Prime Minister's residence is located, was renamed as Lok Kalyan Marg last year.

Dara Shikoh

Dara Shikoh, the new namesake, was more than just a Mughal prince. He was a scholar deeply interested in fostering peace and understanding between Hinduism and Islam. His passion for comparative religions, universal brotherhood, humanism, and peace is well documented. The library established in his name in Delhi stands as a testament to his insatiable curiosity and dedication to knowledge. A patron of the arts as well, Dara Shikoh's legacy extends beyond religious tolerance, encompassing a deep appreciation for Indian culture.

Renaming

Dalhousie Road, located less than 2 kilometers from the Rashtrapati Bhawan, previously bore the name of Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. The NDMC's decision to rename the road reflects a shift towards honoring figures associated with India's rich cultural heritage.

The proposal was first moved in 2014 for renaming Aurangzeb Road after Dara Shikoh. However, after former President APJ Abdul Kalam passed away, the road was renamed in his honour.

The municipal body passed a the new proposal on 6 Feb 2017, put forward by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi who is also a council member, to this effect at a special meeting convened by its chairman Naresh Kumar.It came effect on the same day.

Criticism

The renaming of Dalhousie Road sparks a conversation about the importance of remembering historical figures who championed tolerance and intellectual pursuits. While some may debate the necessity of renaming historical landmarks, this shift undeniably reflects a desire to celebrate figures who embody the values of a pluralistic society. AAP MLA Surinder Singh questioned the timing of the recommendation in view of assembly polls in four states.