Renaming Jalalabad as Parashurampuri: U.P. Town Drops Mughal-Era Name

In a continuing cultural review of historical names in India, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given its nod to rename Uttar Pradesh’s Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur district to Parashurampuri. The change, which will take effect in 2025, is intended to honour the region’s Hindu religious heritage and replace a name freighted with association with the Mughal dynasty.

History: From Mughal Inheritance to Religious Identity

The town was founded in or about 1560 by the Mughal emperor Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar as "Bhialli". The name now epitomized the Mughal historic legacy of the area for centuries. The latest drive for the name change had come from local sentiments that found it to be Mediterranean and a reminder of a time of “slavery” (ghulami) to be replaced with some thing more rooted in indigenous culture.

The Reason behind that: Show reverence to Lord Parashuram

This renaming effort was promoted out of a feeling that the area is the mythological birthplace of Lord Parashuram , the sixth incarnation of Vishnu. Religious leaders and local residents wanted a name that would make them appreciate this religious relation and reinforce the identity of the place as a source of Sanatan Dharma.

Approval Process

According to officials, a proposal was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs by the Uttar Pradesh government in this regard. Following consultations, the Ministry of Science and Technology reviewed its earlier rejection and the central government gave a no-objection certificate in August 2025. The state government has been instructed to publish a gazette notification in Hindi, English and other local languages to bring the change into effect formally.

Spirituality and future impact

There are ancient temples and religious places associated with Lord Parashuram at Parashurampuri. The renaming is expected to:

• Promote the religious tourism in the area.
• Encourage local pride and cultural identity.
• Cement the town as a place of pilgrimage.

The adjustment has been cheered by religious leaders and local officials as an overdue recognition of the area’s historical Hindu roots.