De-colonization Abhiyan: Eknath Shinde CM of Maharashtra approves renaming of multiple local-stations of Mumbai
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has given the green light to rename eight suburban railway stations in Mumbai, aiming to eradicate remnants of British colonial influence. The proposed new names are Sir Jagannath Shankar Seth, Mumbadevi, Girgaon, Lalbaug, Dongri, Kala Chowky, Mazgaon, and Tirthankar Parshvanath.
- Mumbai Central, originally Bombay Central, was initially selected for its central location within the city. The proposed new name honors Sir Jagannath Shankar Seth, a notable philanthropist and reformer during the 19th century, also known as Jugonnath Sunkersett.
- Marine Lines, named after the British-era Marine Battalion barracks, is set to become Mumbadevi station, paying homage to the legend of the Koli fisherman who erected a temple called ‘Mungachi Amba’ in the area.
- Charni Road, named after its historical use as grazing grounds for cattle, is proposed to be renamed Girgaon, reflecting its location at the base of Malabar Hill.
- Currey Road, named after Charles Currey, an agent of the Bombay, Baroda, and Central Indian Railway, is slated to become Lalbaug station, possibly inspired by Lal Shah Baj Kalunder/Lal Shah Sahib dargah in the vicinity.
- Sandhurst Road, named after Lord Sandhurst, Governor of Bombay, will be renamed Dongri, deriving from the Marathi word for hill.
- Cotton Green, rooted in the British cotton trade, may become Kala Chowky, a nod to the police chowki coated with coal tar in the area.
- Dockyard Road, named after the nearby naval dockyard, is proposed to be renamed Mazgaon, reflecting its historical significance as a village settlement.
- King’s Circle, named after the adjacent King’s Circle junction, will potentially be renamed Tirthankar Parshvanath in honor of the nearby Jain temple dedicated to Lord Parshvanath.
This initiative seeks to reclaim the historical and cultural identities of these locations, shedding the vestiges of colonial rule. Topping it up with the CM Eknath Shinde’s decision, couldn’t be any better.
