How Indian States got their Names?

India, a land of rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, is home to 28 states and 8 union territories. Each state bears a distinct name, often rooted in history, mythology, geography, or cultural significance.

In this article, we will find out the origins of our diverse Indian States and what makes them unique in their own way.

Let's delve into the intriguing stories that have shaped the unique identities of our Indian States.

Note: The images depicted below enshrine the state's capital and the population residing within.

How the states in India got their names?

1. Andhra Pradesh

•  Name Origin: "Andhra" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Andhradesa," which means the land of the Andhras.

•  Significance: The Andhras were an ancient kingdom mentioned in Hindu epics, and their legacy continues to influence the state's culture and traditions.

2. Arunachal Pradesh

•  Name Origin: "Arunachal" means "land of the dawn-lit mountains" in Sanskrit.

•  Significance: The name reflects the state's stunning location in the eastern Himalayas, where the first rays of the sun illuminate the majestic peaks.

3. Assam

•  Name Origin: The name "Assam" is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "Asama," meaning "unequalled" or "peerless." Also, according to folklore "Ahoms", the ruler of Assam played a crucial role in shaping the identity of this Indian State.

•  Significance: Assam's natural beauty, lush tea gardens, and unique wildlife make it truly unparalleled. Assam is also the home to the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros.

4. Bihar

•  Name Origin: The name "Bihar" is derived from "Vihara," a Sanskrit word meaning "abode" or "monastery." Or "A Divine Place of Learning" due to various prominent institutes of learning and education that existed in the region.

• Significance: Bihar has a rich Buddhist heritage, and many ancient monasteries and Buddhist pilgrimage sites are scattered throughout the state.

5. Chhattisgarh

•  Name Origin: "Chhattisgarh" is a combination of two Hindi words, "Chhattis" meaning "thirty-six" and "Garh" meaning "fortress."

•  Significance: The name refers to the 36 ancient forts that once dotted the region, symbolizing its historical prominence. The State is also the powerhouse of India it has the third largest coal reserves in the country and provides electricity, coal, and steel to the rest of the nation.

6. Goa

•  Name Origin: The exact origin of the name "Goa" is uncertain. Some say the Portuguese give it, and some say it may be derived from the Sanskrit word "Gomantak," meaning "land of cows" or "land of the gods."

•  Significance: Known for its picturesque beaches, rich Portuguese influence, and vibrant nightlife, Goa is often referred to as "paradise on Earth" for the Young Blood of India.

7. Gujarat

•  Name Origin: "Gujarat" is believed to be derived from the Prakrit word "Gurjaradesa," meaning the "land of the Gurjaras."

•  Significance: The Gurjara dynasty once ruled the region in the 8th Century, and their historical significance is deeply embedded in the state's culture. Do you know which Indian currency has the landmark monument from Gujarat? Yes, you guessed it right, the new ₹100 note bears “Rani ki vav”, a stepwell located in Gujarat, known for its intricate carvings and architectural grandeur.

8.  Haryana

•  Name Origin: The name "Haryana" is derived from "Hari" (an epithet of Lord Vishnu) and "ayana" (meaning "home" or "abode"). If we decode the name it says, "Hari ka aana" (The Arrival of Lord Vishnu)

•  Significance: Haryana is often referred to as the "Abode of God" and is closely associated with Hindu mythology. A few stories also suggest that this Indian state was once the home of the greatest Indian forests. Thus, also called "Hari-Yana"

9. Himachal Pradesh

•  Name Origin: "Himachal" translates to "land of snow" in Sanskrit, combining "Hima" (snow) and "Achal" (land).

•  Significance: Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its snow-capped mountains and picturesque landscapes.

10. Jharkhand

•  Name Origin: "Jharkhand" combines two Hindi words: "Jhar" meaning "bush" and "khand" meaning "land" or "region."

•  Significance: The state's dense forests and abundant wildlife make it an aptly named "land of forests."

11. Karnataka

• Name Origin: The name "Karnataka" is derived from "Karunadu," meaning "elevated land" in Kannada.

• Significance: Karnataka is known for its high plateaus, scenic landscapes, and the Deccan Plateau, which contribute to its name's relevance. The stone chariot of Hampi, is depicted on the ₹50 currency note. Hampi, in Karnataka, was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is known for its magnificent ruins, temples, and monolithic structures.

12. Kerala

• Name Origin: The name "Kerala" is believed to be derived from "Kera," which means "coconut tree" in Malayalam.

• Significance: Kerala is known as the "Land of Coconuts" due to its abundant coconut groves and the significance of coconut in the state's cuisine and culture.

13. Madhya Pradesh

• Name Origin: "Madhya" means "central" in Hindi. Thus, Madhya Pradesh translates to "Central Province."

• Significance: Madhya Pradesh's central location in India, surrounded by other states, gives it its name and serves as a connecting hub. The focal point of the Buddhist faith, “The Great Sanchi Stupa” was built by the Great Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd Century BC. This architectural marvel is featured in ₹200 notes.

14. Maharashtra

• Name Origin: The name "Maharashtra" is derived from "Maharashtri," an ancient Prakrit word meaning "Great Nation" or "Great Ruler."

• Significance: The name reflects the state's impeccable historical and cultural importance as a significant region ruled by various empires and dynasties, the prominent one being "The Great Maratha Empire."The ₹20 currency note highlights the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut temples.

15. Manipur

• Name Origin: "Manipur" is believed to have originated from "Mani," meaning "jewel" in Sanskrit, and "Pur," meaning "city" or "land."

• Significance: Manipur is often referred to as the "Land of Jewels" due to its natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

16. Meghalaya

• Name Origin: "Meghalaya" combines two Sanskrit words, "Megha" meaning "cloud" and "Alaya" meaning "abode" or "dwelling."

• Significance: The state's name reflects its geography, as it receives heavy rainfall and is home to beautiful cloud-covered hills and valleys.

17. Mizoram

• Name Origin: The name "Mizoram" is a combination of two words: "Mi" meaning "people" and "Zoram" meaning "hill."

• Significance: Mizoram's name signifies the land of the Mizo people, who primarily inhabit the hilly terrains of the state.

18. Nagaland

• Name Origin: "Nagaland" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Naga," meaning "snake" or "serpent."

• Significance: The name refers to the various Naga tribes inhabiting the state, known for their rich cultural heritage and ancient traditions.

19. Odisha

•  Name Origin: The name "Odisha" is believed to be derived from "Udra Bibhasha" or "Odra Desha," referring to the ancient Odra Kingdom.

•  Significance: Odisha's name reflects its historical association with the Odra Kingdom and its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Dedicated to the sun god the stunning Konark Sun Temple is depicted on the ₹10 currency note.

20. Punjab

• Name Origin: The name "Punjab" combines two Persian words, "Panj" meaning "five" and "Aab" meaning "water."The Region is also called as the birth place of Sikhism.

• Significance: Punjab is known as the "Land of Five Rivers" due to the presence of the Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, which are vital to the region's agricultural prosperity.

21. Rajasthan

• Name Origin: "Rajasthan" is a combination of two Hindi words, "Raja" meaning "king" and "Sthan" meaning "land" or "place." It is also known as "Rajputana"- The Land of the Rajputs.

• Significance: Rajasthan's name signifies the "Land of Kings," reflecting its glorious history of princely states and magnificent forts.

22. Sikkim

• Name Origin: The exact origin of the name "Sikkim" is uncertain, but it is believed to have Tibetan roots.

• Significance: Sikkim's name is associated with the "Denjong," the Tibetan name for the region, which translates to "Valley of Rice" or "New Valley."

23. Tamil Nadu

• Name Origin: The name "Tamil Nadu" combines "Tamil," the name of the language spoken in the region, and "Nadu," meaning "land" or "country."

• Significance: Tamil Nadu's name reflects its identity as the "Land of Tamils" and the preservation of Tamil language, literature, and culture. The Region is also called “The Land of Temples.”

24. Telangana

• Name Origin: The name "Telangana" is believed to be derived from the Telugu words "Telugu" and "Angana," meaning "Land of Telugu people." It is important to note that it is also believed that the state got its name from the word "Trilinga Desa", which means the land of the three lingas.

• Significance: Telangana's name signifies its association with the Telugu-speaking population and their cultural heritage.

Read more about our youngest state of India on our blog on Telangana.

25. Tripura

• Name Origin: The name "Tripura" is believed to have originated from "Tui," meaning "water," and "Pra," meaning "near" or "beside."

• Significance: Tripura's name refers to its proximity to the River Howrah and the importance of water bodies in the state's geography.

26. Uttar Pradesh

• Name Origin: "Uttar" means "northern" in Hindi, and "Pradesh" means "state" or "region."

• Significance: Uttar Pradesh's name signifies its location in Northern India and its historical and cultural significance as the birthplace of various empires and civilizations. Hinduism’s Holiest Region is the largest producer of sugarcane.

27. Uttarakhand

• Name Origin: "Uttarakhand" combines "Uttara," meaning "north," and "Khand," meaning "land" or "region." Did you know this state is also called as the “Devbhoomi” of India?

• Significance: Uttarakhand's name reflects its geographical location in Northern India, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas.

28.  West Bengal

• Name Origin: "Bengal" is believed to be derived from the ancient kingdom of "Vanga" or "Bangla" and also from "Branga", a land where the river Brahmaputra and Ganga got connected.

• Significance: West Bengal's name signifies its association with the Bengali language, culture, and the historical Bengal region. The state is also referred to as the, “Hub for all cultural traits.” The region is also famous for the terracotta temples of Bishnupur.

Conclusion

The names of the Indian states bear profound historical, geographical, and cultural significance. Understanding the origins and meanings behind these names enriches our appreciation of each state's diverse heritage. From ancient kingdoms to natural landscapes, these names serve as a window into India's past and present, showcasing the remarkable diversity and unity that characterize the nation. They reflect the essence of what truly makes India a nation that strives for unity in diversity, celebrating its rich history, cultural traditions, and geographical wonders.