The Royal Lineage of Dasheri
The story of the Dasheri mango begins in the 18th-century gardens of the Nawabs of Lucknow. This beloved North Indian variety gets its name from the village of Dasheri, near Kakori, where the original 'mother tree' was first cultivated. Legend holds that
every Dasheri tree in existence today is a descendant of this single plant, which reportedly still stands. The Nawabs, known for their patronage of cuisine and horticulture, were so taken by its unique aroma and fiberless, honey-like sweetness that they championed its cultivation. Today, the nearby town of Malihabad is the world's largest producer of Dasheri mangoes, its specific soil and climate creating the perfect conditions for this royal fruit to thrive.
The Curious Case of the 'Langra' Mango
One of the most intriguing names belongs to the Langra, which translates from Hindi to 'lame' or 'limping'. The most popular legend traces this name back to a farmer from Varanasi who was physically disabled. As the story goes, he planted a mango seed in his yard, and the resulting fruit was exceptionally delicious. In his honour, people began referring to the fruit as the 'lame man's mango', or 'Langra aam', and the name stuck. This variety, prized for its tangy-sweet flavour and the fact that it often stays green even when ripe, is a testament to how a personal story can become the identity of a fruit loved by millions across North India.
Alphonso and its Colonial Roots
The 'King of Mangoes', the Alphonso, has a name that points to a very different kind of history. It is named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general and viceroy who established colonies in India in the 16th century. At the time, most Indian mangoes were of the 'sucking' variety—soft, pulpy, and not ideal for long sea voyages to Europe. Albuquerque and other Portuguese desired a mango that was firm, could be cut and served neatly, and would survive the journey. In response, Jesuit missionaries in Goa used grafting techniques to create new cultivars, and one of the most successful results was named after the demanding viceroy. Thus, the Alphonso was born, a fruit engineered for export that became a cherished symbol of Indian pride.
Chaunsa: A Mango Named for Victory
The Chaunsa mango carries a name linked directly to a historic military victory. Legend says that in 1539, after defeating the Mughal emperor Humayun at the Battle of Chausa in Bihar, the ruler Sher Shah Suri was so overjoyed that he named his favourite mango after the battlefield. While historians treat this specific link as more of a legend than a documented fact, the name itself has survived for centuries. Also known as 'Samar Bahisht' or 'fruit of paradise', the Chaunsa is celebrated for its incredible sweetness and soft, juicy flesh that melts in your mouth. The story, whether fact or folklore, adds a layer of martial triumph to one of the subcontinent's sweetest fruits.
From Shape to Slander
Beyond the famous four, countless other mango names tell fascinating stories. The Totapuri, for example, is named for its appearance; 'tota' means parrot, and the mango's tip resembles a parrot's beak. In Karnataka, the Badami gets its name because its flavour is said to be reminiscent of an almond, or 'badam'. Some names are even born from disappointment. A variety in Uttar Pradesh is called 'Haramzada', a local insult. The fruit looks perfect and smells sweet, but the flesh is bland and tasteless, leading orchard owners to feel tricked by the deceptive mango. The insult eventually became its official name.
