In his letter, Khandelwal wrote:
“Delhi holds a special place among India’s most ancient cultural heritages. It is not merely a metropolis but has long been the heart of Indian civilization — reflecting its soul, religion, ethics, and traditions of public welfare.”
The MP added that Delhi’s history is directly connected to the Pandava era, saying that the city’s culture, heritage, and traditions are all rooted in Indraprastha.
‘Pandavas built their capital here’
Khandelwal further emphasized that statues of the Pandavas should be installed at prominent locations across the city to help younger generations connect with their cultural roots.
Citing historical references, he wrote:
“History bears witness that during the Mahabharata period, the Pandavas established their capital, Indraprastha, on the banks of the Yamuna. From the Maurya to the Gupta period, Indraprastha remained a vital hub of trade, culture, and administration. In the 11th–12th centuries, the Tomar kings referred to it as Dhillika, from which the name ‘Delhi’ later evolved.”
Earlier, Vijay Goel sought ‘Dilli’ instead of ‘Delhi’
Just days earlier, former Union Minister Vijay Goel had raised a similar issue, questioning why the city’s English spelling remains “Delhi” when it is pronounced “Dilli” across India.
He said the upcoming official logo of the Delhi government, to be unveiled on November 1, should use the spelling “Dilli” instead, calling it “a step linked to our soul, tradition, and history.”
How Delhi got its name: 4 popular beliefs
Delhi’s name has several historical and mythological interpretations. In ancient times, the region was known as Indraprastha. According to the Mahabharata, when Hastinapur was divided between the Kauravas and Pandavas, Shakuni advised Dhritarashtra to give the Pandavas Khandavprastha, a forested region that they later transformed into Indraprastha, their capital — the site of present-day Delhi.
Later, the Tomar dynasty ruled Delhi (676–1081 CE). One legend says a king once unearthed an iron pillar protecting the kingdom; when reburied loosely, it inspired the term “Dhili Keel” (loose stake), which eventually became “Dhilli” and then “Delhi.”
Another theory links the name to ‘Dehliwal’ coins minted during the Tomar era, while others believe it originated from ‘Dehleez’ (threshold), symbolizing the city’s position as the gateway to India.
Delhi declared capital in 1911
Delhi was made the capital of India by the British in 1911 and officially designated as such on February 13, 1931, replacing Calcutta (now Kolkata). After Independence, it retained its status as the national capital and continues to be known as the “Heart of the Nation.'''
