Exploring the Unique Stories Behind Mango Names in India
The mango season is in full swing, and India, home to over 1,500 mango varieties, offers some of the most unique types not just in shape and flavor, but also in name. Many varieties have fascinating and distinctive names. Here are some of India's most famous mangoes and the intriguing stories behind how they got their names.
Langra
This is one of the most unusual mango names native to India. The word 'langra' means 'limping' in Hindi. According to popular belief, the variety originated in Varanasi when a farmer with a limp cultivated a particularly delicious mango tree in his orchard. Over time, people began referring to the fruit as 'Langra Aam,' and today it is one of North India's most cherished mango varieties.
Dasheri
Unlike Langra, this mango derives its name from a place. It is believed to have originated in the village of Dasheri near Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. According to historians, a mother tree in this village became the source of countless grafts and later spread the variety across the country. Hence, the mango retained the name of its birthplace.
Kesar
This mango's name translates to 'saffron,' and it is believed that the mango gained the title because of its deep orange pulp, which resembles the color of saffron strands. It is native to Gujarat's Gir region and is celebrated for its vibrant hue, sweetness, and aromatic flavor.
Himsagar
This mango is very popular in West Bengal and parts of eastern India, where the word translates to 'Ocean of coolness.' While the exact origin of the name is uncertain, it is believed that the name was chosen to reflect the mango's juicy texture and refreshing sweetness.
Chausa
This mango is believed to have a fascinating historical connection. According to reports, the mango was named after the town of Chausa in present-day Bihar. It is said that the Mughal ruler Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri in the Battle of Chausa, and he was so fond of mangoes from the region that he named the variety after the town.
Bombay Green
You may be surprised to learn that while it is called Bombay Green, it has no connection to Mumbai. It is primarily grown in Northern India (Uttar Pradesh and Haryana). According to historians, the name may have emerged during colonial trading times when produce was often marketed through major commercial centers or ports.
Totapuri
This mango gets its name from its distinctive shape. 'Tota' means parrot in Hindi, and the mango's pointed top actually resembles a parrot's beak, which is why it is called Totapuri. This variety is cultivated in southern India, especially Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, and is said to have a mildly tangy flavor.
