Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district has now been renamed as Ahilyanagar after the Centre gave nod to the move on Friday, state Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said.

The state cabinet approved the renaming of Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar on March 13, 2024.

Revenue and Guardian Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil mentioned that the Centre approved the move to rename Ahmednagar district after the 18th century Maratha ruler of Indore, Punyashlok Ahilya Devi.

Ahilyabai Holkar

Ahilyabai Holkar was a great pioneer and involved in several social causes and helped build hundreds of temples and dharamshalas throughout India.
Ahilyabai Holkar was born Chaundi in Ahmednagar district to a Dhangar family and was married to Khanderao Holkar of the Holkar dynasty of Holkar.
After the demise of her husband Khanderao Holkar and father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilyabai Holkar herself undertook the affairs of the Holkar dynasty. She defended the Malwa state against intruders and personally led armies into battle.