A fresh political and cultural debate has started in Madhya Pradesh after the Executive Council of Barkatullah University approved a proposal to rename the institution as “Vagdevi Bhojpal University”. The proposal has now been sent to Governor and Chancellor Mangubhai Patel for final approval.
Established in 1970 as Bhopal University, the institution was renamed Barkatullah University in 1988 to honour freedom fighter Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali.
Why Is the Name Being Changed?
According to the proposal approved by the university, the new name aims to reflect the historical and cultural identity of Bhopal through the legacy of Raja Bhoj, the 11th-century ruler believed to have founded the city.
The proposal highlights Raja Bhoj’s contributions to literature, science, architecture, and education. It says his legacy remains deeply connected to Bhopal through Bhojtal, the Bhojpur temple, and the region’s cultural history.
The name “Vagdevi” has also been linked to Goddess Saraswati, associated with learning and knowledge, while “Bhojpal” refers to Raja Bhoj.
University officials said the renaming proposal reflects a “renewed institutional identity” and has been forwarded for administrative approval.
Controversy Over Comparison With Barkatullah Bhopali
The proposal has sparked criticism because it reportedly compares Raja Bhoj’s contribution to the region with that of Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali.
According to reports, the proposal states that compared to Raja Bhoj, “no significant contribution” of Barkatullah to the region is visible apart from him being a resident of Bhopal.
This comparison has triggered questions over whether one historical figure’s legacy is being recognised at the expense of another.
Who Was Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali?
Born on July 7, 1854, in Bhopal’s Itwara locality, Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali was a prominent anti-colonial revolutionary who worked internationally against British rule.
He was linked to the Ghadar movement and became the Prime Minister of India’s first provisional government-in-exile, formed in Afghanistan in 1915 under Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh.
A scholar and journalist, Barkatullah knew several languages, including Arabic, Persian, English, and Japanese. He taught in countries such as England and Japan and travelled across the United States, Germany, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Soviet Russia while supporting India’s freedom movement.
Final Approval Awaited
University authorities said the proposal is currently undergoing administrative formalities and has been sent to the Governor for final approval.
If cleared, the university will begin legal and administrative changes, including updates to certificates, official documents, and signage.
The move comes amid a series of renaming exercises in Madhya Pradesh. In recent years, several places and institutions in Bhopal have been renamed, including Habibganj Railway Station, which was renamed after Rani Kamlapati in 2021.
