What’s in the Name? Questioning the Rationale for the Name Change of Bhugol and Bhugol Vibhag

The nomenclature of geography discipline and geography department has been a matter of debate among geographers. In many countries, the names of the geography discipline and geography departments have changed. The reasons for the name change are different. For some, using new terminology would help improve the image of the subject. For others, the term geography fails to connotate concepts fundamental to the field. Those who argue against change in nomenclature believe that renaming is not a substitute for high-quality geographic teaching and research. In India, The Deccan Geographical Society, India (DGSI), a well-known and influential geographical society, has appealed to change the name of the geography discipline and geography departments in Hindi and Marathi languages from Bhugol to Bhugol Shastra and from Bhugol Vibhag to Bhugol Shastra Vibhag. This article critically examines the academic rationale and appropriateness of the name change. It also seeks to scrutinise the claim of benefits that may accrue to the practice of Geography in India if the proposed names are adopted and accepted.