Unveiling the Stories Behind India's Beloved Mango Varieties
In India, mango is not just a fruit, it is the sweet taste of our culture, emotions and memories. When summer begins, the aroma of mango wafts, and this 'king of fruits' makes its place in every home. But do you know how these mangoes got their names, what are the stories behind them? Each mango variety is known for its characteristics. Taste, color, smell, and name! Let's know the interesting names of some famous mangoes found in India and the stories behind them:
1. Chaunsa – Remembering Victory
Famous in Baghpat and Saharanpur in North India, the Chaunsa mango is named after Sher Shah Suri's victory at Chaussa (Bihar) in 1539. Sher Shah loved this mango so much that he named it 'Chaunsa' to commemorate his victory. Juicy, sweet and with a very appealing taste, this mango is a special attraction in summer.
2. Hapus (Alphonso) – King of Konkan
The 'Hapus' of Ratnagiri and Devgad in Konkan, i.e. Alfonso Mango, has a royal touch in its name! This mango was named after the Portuguese general Alfonso de Albuquerque, who came to India in the 16th century. The Portuguese introduced the grafting method to India and that is why we get this excellent quality, fragrant and sweet mango today.
3. Totapuri – Handsome like a parrot
Found in South India in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the Totapuri mango is known for its pointed tail-like shape. 'Tota' means parrot and 'puri' means shape; hence 'Totapuri'. This mango is relatively less sweet, but its aroma and elongated shape are very attractive.
4. Dasari – Pride of Malihabad
The Dasari mango originates from the village of Malihabad in Uttar Pradesh. It gets its name from the first cuttings from a local orchard. It is a special type of mango that is sweet, thin-skinned, and ripens after being picked, not on the tree.
5. Shendur – the festival of beauty
This mango gets its name from its dark reddish color, similar to vermilion. Known as 'Shendoor', this mango is very popular during weddings and festivals, especially in North India.
6. Bombay – Tasty memories of the city
Bombay or Bambaiya mango is a special favourite of the people of Mumbai and its vicinity. Although its name comes from the local dialect, it comes in various varieties with different flavours, colours and shapes. Easily available and easy to eat, this mango is a household favourite. The stories behind the names are not only interesting, but they also symbolise the cultural richness of India.