These 2 places have been renamed in Uddhav Thackeray's final decision.

The Indian state of Maharashtra recently made headlines as two of its cities were renamed. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Friday that Aurangabad and Osmanabad would now be known as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Dharashiv, respectively. The decision to rename these cities was approved by the ministry, as it had no objection to the proposal.

The issue of renaming these cities has been in the public eye for quite some time. In February, additional solicitor-general Anil Singh informed the Bombay High Court that the central government had no objection to renaming Osmanabad. However, there was no decision yet on renaming Aurangabad. The court was hearing pleas challenging the decision to rename the two cities.

The cabinet meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government took the decision to rename Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad as Dharashiv on June 29, 2022. The decision was made just hours before Uddhav Thackeray stepped down as Chief Minister. It was among the last decisions of the Uddhav government.

The renaming of these cities is a significant step towards recognizing the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Sambhaji Maharaj was a brave warrior and a martyr who fought against the Mughal Empire. He was captured, tortured, and eventually killed by the Mughals. The renaming of Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar is a tribute to his bravery and sacrifice.

Similarly, the renaming of Osmanabad to Dharashiv is also significant. Dharashiv is a reference to the Dharashiv caves located in the city. These caves are believed to be over 2,000 years old and have historical significance. Renaming the city after the caves is a way to acknowledge and preserve this rich heritage.

The decision to rename these cities has been met with mixed reactions. While some have hailed it as a positive step towards recognizing India's cultural heritage, others have criticized it as an attempt to erase the Mughal legacy. It is essential to note that the renaming of these cities does not erase history. The legacy of the Mughal Empire and its impact on India's culture and history will always be a part of the country's identity.