Indian Cities and Their Nicknames PDF

# INDIAN CITIES AND THEIR NICKNAMES ## Ahmedabad ### Manchester of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Manchester is a city in England, and it is famous for its historical significance as a global hub of the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. Similarly, Ahmedabad, which is a cit...

# INDIAN CITIES AND THEIR NICKNAMES ## Ahmedabad ### Manchester of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Manchester is a city in England, and it is famous for its historical significance as a global hub of the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. Similarly, Ahmedabad, which is a city in Gujarat, India, is also known for its prominent role in the textile industry. - Both cities share a common heritage in terms of being major centers of textile manufacturing, reflecting their significance in driving the textile economy of their respective regions. ## Ahmedabad ### Boston of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Boston is a city in the US, and it is famous for its prestigious educational institutions, like Harvard & MIT. Similarly, Ahmedabad is known for its strong emphasis on education and intellectual pursuits, with renowned universities like IIM thriving in intellectual and cultural scenes. - Both cities prioritize education, innovation, and intellectual growth, becoming hubs of knowledge and academic excellence in their regions. ## Akola and Yavatmal ### Cotton Cities of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Akola in Maharashtra is called the Cotton City of India due to its significant contribution to cotton production and trade, with several cotton mills. - Yavatmal, Maharashtra is called the Cotton capital of India because it has many cotton ginning and processing industries & it is known to manufacture a wide range of quality textiles and cotton products. ## Alappuzha ### Venice of the East **Reason for the Nickname:** - Venice is a city in Italy known for its intricate network of canals & waterways. Similarly, Alappuzha, a city in Kerala, India, is called the Venice of the East due to its extensive system of backwaters, lagoons, and interconnected canals. - Both cities boast a resemblance in terms of their water-based transportation systems, scenic beauty, and unique experiences, earning Alappuzha the nickname "Venice of the East." ## Asansol ### Land of Black Diamond **Reason for the Nickname:** - Asansol, a city in West Bengal has an abundance of high-quality coal and that is due to its location in the Raniganj coalfield. - Significant coal mining industries, including the Eastern Coalfields Limited, also contribute to the city's economy and nickname. ## Bhagalpur and Pochampally ### Silk Cities of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Bhagalpur in Bihar is called the Silk city due to its popularity for Tussar silk production and has a long history of silk weaving, production and trade. - Pochampally, located in Telangana, is also often referred to as the Silk city due to its famous handwoven silk sarees and fabrics. ## Bengaluru ### Garden City of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Bengaluru is a city in Karnataka and it has an abundance of parks and gardens, such as Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden which has contributed to the city's lush greenery and the nickname. - Emphasis on horticulture, tree planting along roads and encouragement for rooftop gardening are the measures the government and civic authorities take to promote greenery. ## Bengaluru ### Silicon Valley of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Silicon Valley is an area in California, US, renowned for its concentration of tech companies and innovation. Similarly, Bengaluru, a city in Karnataka, is referred to as the Silicon Valley of India due to its thriving tech sector. - Bengaluru is home to a number of tech companies, like Wipro, Infosys, & IBM, while Silicon Valley is home to some of the world's largest tech companies, such as Google, Apple, & Facebook. ## Bhubaneshwar ### Temple City of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Bhubaneshwar in Odisha is home to some of the most ancient temples dating back to the 8th-12th centuries, including the Lingaraj, Mukteswara, and Rajarani temples. - Renowned for exquisite architecture and intricate carvings, the temples of Bhubaneshwar reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and attract tourists from around the world. ## Calicut/Kozhikode ### City of Spices **Reason for the Nickname:** - Historical Spice Trade: Calicut is a city along the Malabar Coast in the state of Kerala in India and it has a rich history of spice trading, dating back to the 13th century. - Spice Plantations: Calicut and the surrounding region are known for their fertile soil and favourable climate, which make it an ideal location for growing spices. ## Chennai ### Detroit of Asia & Gateway of South India **Detroit of Asia:** - Detroit in the US is known as a major centre of the automotive industry. Similarly, Chennai in Tamil Nadu, is home to major automotive companies, including Ford, Hyundai, and Renault-Nissan, while Detroit is the traditional home of the American auto industry. **Gateway of South India:** - Chennai's Strategic location as a transportation hub connects the South Indian region to the rest of the country, giving it the title 'Gateway of South India'. ## Chennai ### Banking & Health Capital of India **Banking Capital of India:** - A significant contribution to the banking and finance sector, with numerous national and international banks having their headquarters or major operations in the city. **Health Capital of India:** - Chennai is called the Health Capital of India because it is home to some of the best healthcare institutions in the country, including the Apollo Hospitals and the National Institute of Siddha. ## Coorg ### Scotland of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Scotland is a country known for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and misty weather. Similarly, Coorg, a region in Karnataka, India, is called the Scotland of India due to its striking natural beauty, lush greenery, and cool climate. - Both places share a similarity in terms of their captivating landscapes, hilly terrain, and a climate that resembles the misty ambience of Scotland, resulting in Coorg being referred to as the "Scotland of India." ## Cuttack ### Silver City of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - The rich history of silver filigree work: Cuttack in Odisha is famous for its silver filigree work, which has been practised in the city for centuries. - Skilled artisans and quality products: Cuttack’s skilled artisans are known for their intricate and high-quality silver filigree work, making the city a hub for the trade of silver jewellery and decorative items. ## Dibrugarh ### Tea City of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Large tea production: Dibrugarh is a city in Assam, it is home to numerous tea estates and is one of the largest tea-producing regions in India. - The economic significance of tea: Tea production and trade are the backbone of the economy in Dibrugarh, with the city being an important centre for the processing, packaging, and export of tea. ## Hyderabad ### City of Pearls, Hitech city **City of Pearls:** - Hyderabad in Telangana is a centre for pearl trade and processing for centuries, with the city's skilled artisans producing some of the world's most exquisite pearls. **Hitech City:** - Hyderabad has the presence of a large number of IT and technology companies, as well as several prestigious educational and research institutions in the city, giving it the nickname 'Hitech City'. ## Hyderabad & Secunderabad ### Twin City **Reason for the Nickname:** - Hyderabad and Secunderabad, collectively known as the "Twin City", are two adjacent cities in Telangana. They are separated by Hussain Sagar Lake & are a major metropolitan areas and important centres for technology, commerce, culture, and history in India. ## Jaipur ### Pink City **Reason for the Nickname:** - Jaipur, a city in Rajasthan, is called the Pink City because of the distinctive pink-colored sandstone used in many of its buildings, giving the city a pinkish hue. - The pink color of the city was chosen as a symbol of hospitality to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876. Since then, the city has maintained its pink color scheme, making it one of the most unique and visually striking cities in India. ## Amritsar & Jaisalmer ### Golden Cities **Reason for the Nickname:** - Amritsar, Punjab is called the Golden City because of the stunning golden temple, Harmandir Sahib. It is considered one of the holiest places of worship for Sikhs around the world. - Jaisalmer, Rajasthan is called the Golden City because of the golden sandstone used in the construction of its buildings and monuments, giving the city a golden appearance during sunset and sunrise. ## Jamshedpur ### Pittsburgh of India & Steel City of India **Pittsburgh of India:** - Pittsburgh is a city in the US known for its steel industry and manufacturing heritage. Similarly, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand is called the Pittsburgh of India due to its significant role in the steel and manufacturing sectors. **Steel City of India:** - Jamshedpur is called the steel city of India because it is home to several major steel companies, including Tata Steel, which is one of the largest steel producers in the world. ## Jamshedpur ### Ruhr of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Ruhr is a region in Germany known for its extensive coal and steel industries. Similarly, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand plays a significant role in the steel and manufacturing sectors, mirroring the industrial prowess of the Ruhr region. - Both places share a similarity in terms of their industrial heritage, with a focus on coal and steel production, making Jamshedpur earn the moniker "Ruhr of India." ## Jodhpur ### Blue City & Sun City **Blue City:** - Jodhpur in Rajasthan is called the Blue city because the Brahmin caste painted their houses blue to distinguish themselves. The blue paint may have also helped keep the houses cool in the hot desert climate. **Sun City:** - Jodhpur is called the Sun City because it enjoys bright and sunny weather throughout the year. The city has a sunny climate due to its location in the Thar Desert. ## Kanpur ### The Leather City **Reason for the Nickname:** - Kanpur in UP is called the Leather City because it is home to many tanneries and leather factories. (Tanning is the process of treating the skins and hides of animals to produce leather. A tannery is a place where the skins are processed). - The city is known for producing high-quality leather products, including shoes, bags, and clothing. ## Kashmir ### Switzerland of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Switzerland is a country renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, & picturesque valleys. Similarly, Kashmir, a region in India, is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, with snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, and lush valleys. - Both places share a similarity in terms of their enchanting scenery and captivating landscapes, earning Kashmir the nickname "Switzerland of India." ## Kochi ### Queen of Arabian Sea **Reason for the Nickname:** - The city’s strategic location along the Arabian Sea coast has made it a hub for the trade of spices, tea, and other commodities between India and the Middle East, Europe, and other regions. - Kochi's culture, cuisine, and architecture are also influenced by its maritime heritage and the mix of Indian, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. ## Kolkata ### City of Palaces & City of Joy **City of Palaces:** - Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal is the "city of palaces" due to the presence of magnificent palaces built during the British colonial era like Victoria Memorial, Marble Palace, Raj Bhavan, and St. Paul's Cathedral. **City of Joy:** - Kolkata has a very lively and friendly culture, artistic, literary, and cultural heritage. The phrase was coined by French author Dominique Lapierre in his book "City of Joy," which was about a slum in Kolkata. ## Kollam ### Cashew Capital of the World **Reason for the Nickname:** - Kollam, a city in Kerala is the largest producer of cashew nuts in the world, accounting for almost 80% of India's total cashew exports. - The city has a long history of cashew processing and trade, with a thriving cashew industry that dates back to the early 20th century. Today, Kollam is home to numerous cashew processing units and markets, making it a hub for the cashew trade. ## Lucknow ### The City of Nawabs **Reason for the Nickname:** - Lucknow is the capital city of UP. It was once the capital of the Nawabs of Awadh, who were known for their refined tastes, love of arts, and lavish lifestyles. - The city's rich cultural heritage, elegant architecture, and delicious cuisine are all a reflection of the opulent lifestyle and legacy of the Nawabs, giving it the title "The City of Nawabs". ## Madurai ### The City of Festivals & Athens of the East **The City of Festivals:** - Madurai in Tamil Nadu is called the city of festivals because it hosts numerous religious and cultural festivals throughout the year, including Chithirai Festival, Meenakshi Tirukalyanam, and Jallikattu. **Athens of the East:** - Athens, the Capital of Greece had the Greek pantheon located at an elevated plane which could be seen from anywhere in the city. Similarly, Madurai has the towers of Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple which can be seen from anywhere in the city. ## Mangalore ### Rome of the East & Cradle of Indian Banking **Rome of the East:** - Rome is a city in Italy known for its historical significance, ancient architecture, and religious heritage. Similarly, Mangalore in Karnataka is called the Rome of the East due to its rich history, architectural marvels, and religious diversity. **Cradle of Indian Banking:** - The presence of major nationalized banks like Corporation Bank, Canara Bank, Syndicate Bank, and Vijaya Bank has earned the city this nickname. ## Mumbai ### Gateway of India & Financial Capital of India **Gateway of India:** - The Gateway of India in Mumbai was built during the British colonial era to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It serves as a symbolic entrance to India for visitors arriving by sea. **Financial Capital of India:** - Mumbai is the financial hub of India and is home to the headquarters of the RBI, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange, and several major banks so the title "Financial Capital" is justified. ## Muzaffarpur ### Land of Lychees & Sweet City **Land of Lychees:** - Muzaffarpur in Bihar is known as the Land of lychees due to the abundance of litchi orchards in the region, which produces high-quality lychees. **Sweet City:** - Muzaffarpur is called the sweet city due to the production of delicious sweets made from sugarcane and dairy products, particularly the famous sweet delicacies "Thekhua" & "Pedakiya" (Gujiya). ## Mysore ### Sandalwood city **Reason for the Nickname:** - Mysore in Karnataka has a rich history of sandalwood production and is known for its high-quality sandalwood, which is used in various products such as incense, soap, and perfume. - The city is home to the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory, which is responsible for producing and processing sandalwood oil, contributing to the city's reputation as the sandalwood capital of India. ## Nagpur ### The Orange city **Reason for the Nickname:** - Nagpur is a city in Maharashtra. It is called the "Orange City" due to its extensive orange cultivation and is the major trading centre for oranges in the region. - The Nagpur region is well-suited for the cultivation of oranges due to its favourable climate and fertile soil. ## Nashik ### Wine Capital of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Ideal climate and soil: The region around Nashik in Maharashtra has a favourable climate and soil conditions for growing grapes, making it an ideal location for wine production. - Major vineyards and wineries: Nashik is home to some 52 wineries & major vineyards in India, producing a significant amount of the country's wine. ## Panipat ### City of weavers **Reason for the Nickname:** - Panipat in Haryana has been a centre of handloom weaving for centuries, and its weavers are known for their expertise in producing high-quality textiles like carpets, blankets, and shawls. - The city's textile industry is a major contributor to its economy and dates back to the Mughal era. The weavers are skilled in both traditional and modern weaving techniques. ## Pondicherry ### Paris of the East **Reason for the Nickname:** - Paris is the capital city of France renowned for its elegant architecture, artistic heritage, & cultural significance. Similarly, Pondicherry, a city in Tamilnadu is famous for its colonial French influence, charming streets, and a blend of Indian and French cultures. - Both places share distinct architectural styles, cosmopolitan ambience, and a fusion of cultural flavours, earning Pondicherry the nickname "Paris of the East." ## Pune ### Deccan Queen & Oxford of the east **Deccan Queen:** - Pune enjoys a complete green aura along with a hill station-like atmosphere. It was the best city on the Deccan Plateau. So, it was given the name "Queen of Deccan". **Oxford of East:** - Pune in Maharashtra is home to some of the best educational institutions in India, including the Savitribai Phule Pune University, which has been compared to the University of Oxford in terms of academic excellence and historical significance. ## Shillong ### Scotland of East **Reason for the Nickname:** - Scotland is a country known for its stunning landscapes, rolling hills, and misty weather. Similarly, Shillong, a city in Meghalaya, India, is called the Scotland of the East due to its breathtaking natural beauty, picturesque hills, and a climate that resembles Scotland. - Both places share captivating landscapes, hilly terrain, and similar weather patterns, earning Shillong the nickname "Scotland of the East." ## Surat ### Diamond City of India & Silk City of India **Diamond City of India:** - The city of Surat in Gujarat is popularly known for its large diamond-cutting and polishing industry. It also has a long history of diamond trade and is one of the largest diamond markets in the world. **Silk City of India:** - Surat is also sometimes known as the "Silk City" because it is a major centre for silk weaving in India, producing some of the finest silk fabrics in the country. ## Thrissur ### Gold capital of India **Reason for the Nickname:** - Thrissur in Kerala is home to several traditional goldsmiths who have been practising their craft for generations, making it a hub for gold jewellery production in India. - The city also hosts the famous Thrissur Pooram festival where elephants are adorned with gold ornaments, highlighting the city's love for gold and its significance in local culture. ## Udaipur ### City of Lakes, White City **City of Lakes:** - Udaipur in Rajasthan has abundance of natural and artificial lakes, including Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Udai Sagar Lake, which have earned the city the nickname "City of Lakes," playing a crucial role in water management, irrigation, and drinking water. **White City:** - Udaipur's prominent use of white marble in many of its palaces, forts, and buildings, gives the city a uniform white appearance. ## Visakhapatnam ### The City of Destiny & Goa of the East **City of Destiny:** - Visakhapatnam was chosen as the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, and the city's strategic location on the east coast of India has contributed to its growth, beauty and nickname "City of Destiny". **Goa of East:** - The long coastline, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed vibe reminiscent of Goa in western India gave it the nickname "Goa of East".