Iconic Indian cities

Aakriti Upadhyay

That Changed Their Names

9

Renamed  in 1995 to honour Mumbadevi and embrace its Marathi roots, Mumbai has since grown into India’s financial as well as entertainment capital.

Bombay-Mumbai

Reflecting its Bengali heritage, Kolkata adopted its new name in 2001 while preserving its rich cultural, literary, and historical legacy.

Calcutta-Kolkata

Rooted in Tamil tradition, the 1996 renaming of Chennai honoured its indigenous identity while continuing to thrive as a cultural and economic powerhouse.

Madras-Chennai

The 2014 name change reflected the city’s Kannada essence, celebrating its cultural spirit while strengthening its status as India’s tech capital and hub of innovation.

Bangalore-Bengaluru

Derived from Tamil, meaning ‘New Town,’ the 2006 name transition reconnected with its cultural past while upholding its French colonial elegance and picturesque seaside vibe.

Pondicherry-Puducherry

In 1991, the city’s name was restored to reflect Kerala’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, paying homage to its timeless bond with Lord Anantha Padmanabha.

Trivandrum-Thiruvananthapuram

Preserving its historic charm, the 1974 name shift honoured its Gujarati roots while continuing to be a prominent centre for education, tradition, and culture.

Baroda-Vadodara

With its holy confluence at heart, the 2018 renaming paid tribute to its sacred legacy, reinforcing its deep spiritual and historical significance.

Allahabad-Prayagraj

Aligned with the native Tulu pronunciation, the 2014 renaming preserved Mangaluru’s coastal tradition while embracing its rich cultural heritage.

Mangalore-Mengaluru