Hyderabad: From Indira Gandhi to Ahilyabai Holkar, only two women currently lend their names to India’s 165 operational airports. A growing demand to name the upcoming Warangal airport after Kakatiya queen Rani Rudrama has now reignited a broader conversation on women’s representation in the country’s public landmarks.If the proposal is accepted, Rani Rudrama would become only the third woman in India to have an operational airport named after her, placing Telangana’s iconic warrior queen alongside two of the nation’s most prominent female figures.At present, only Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Indore’s Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport bear the names of women. While Indira Gandhi was India’s first and only woman Prime Minister, Ahilyabai Holkar, the 18th century Maratha queen who ruled Malwa for nearly three decades, is remembered for her visionary administration and extensive public works.Ahilyabai’s legacy extends far beyond her kingdom. She is credited with supporting the construction and restoration of temples, ghats, wells and other public facilities across several important pilgrimage centres, earning enduring recognition as a ruler associated with welfare and civic development.Rani Rudrama occupies a similarly distinguished place in Telangana’s history. The 13th century Kakatiya queen ruled from Orugallu, present day Warangal, after succeeding her father, Ganapatideva. Her reign is remembered for consolidating the Kakatiya kingdom, leading military campaigns and strengthening the fortifications of Warangal, which remained the political heart of the empire during her rule.Airport names across India have traditionally honoured political leaders, freedom fighters and historical rulers, with male figures accounting for an overwhelming majority. Names such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, Raja Bhoj and Birsa Munda prominently feature among airports named after historical personalities, while several others commemorate former Prime Ministers and political leaders.The demand to name the Warangal airport after Rudrama has also sparked discussion on social media, where many users have argued that the move would not only celebrate Telangana’s rich historical legacy but also improve women’s visibility in major public institutions. “We would be doing some gender justice too, if we name the airport after her,” said a social media user.Supporters of the proposal also point to its strong historical relevance. As the capital of the Kakatiya kingdom and the seat of Rudrama’s rule, Warangal shares a direct and enduring link with the legendary queen. Naming the airport after her, they argue, would connect a modern international gateway with one of Telangana’s most celebrated historical figures.
