How Did Pune REALLY Get Its Name? What Historians Say Will Surprise You!

India.com

3 days ago

Pune's 'Oxford of the East' and 'Cultural Capital of Maharashtra' epithets show how education and modernity run parallel in this Indian city which is well known for its history. Its diversity together with its booming IT sector are pointers towards one of India's most developed cities. Have you ever thought about the origins of Pun's name? The phrase has a captivating backstory that touches on its geography and mythological roots as well linguistics.
Religious and mythological links serve as the basis for some of Pune's origin name theories. Pune's name can be traced back to words like Punyagiri or Punyanagari which means virtuous city, as claimed by existing Hindu mythology. As legend has it, sage Punyeshwar (who is a reincarnation of Lord Shiva) is believed to have meditated here which later got associated with his name. Eventually Punyanagari was chopped into Pune. Such connections only add to the rich history and cultural significance of the city.
Some say that the city was named after Punyapur, a city created by sage Punyakshi, which might suggest a mythological tale regarding its origin. These stories highlight the city's ancient origins with someone who was around during the spiritual sage practices.
1.The Geographical Influence
The name of the city is already suggestive of the Mula and Mutha rivers which conjoin to form the Mula Mutha river system. Puna or Poona, a word in Marathi, translates to 'the confluence of rivers' which suggests the city was named after these rivers. Similarly, the rivers aided in vegetation by providing water, which further accentuates their importance in the history of Pune.
Another possible source for the nomenclature of Pune city is the fact that it is located on the Deccan Plateau, surrounded by mounds and valleys, which also explains why the city is called Pune. It is also believed that the word 'Pune' stemmed from the Marathi word 'Punawadi,' which translates to 'a settlement near a hill'. This aligns with the topography of Pune as the city is located in the middle of the Sahyadri mountain range.
2.The Evolution of History
Tracing the history of the city, Pune as a name has transformed over the years, at one point being Punyapur, then Punak and later on being coined as Punawadi during the reign of the Yadavas of Devagiri. The term was widely recognized during the 17th century under the Maratha Empire as a sign of pride, be it politically or culturally, owing to the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later on the Peshwas. In the 9th and 13th centuries the city also served as a bustling region while the Rashtrakuta dynasty and the Yadavs ruled the area respectively.
In regard to the Pune term, it was earlier used as Poona by the British. This version was highly used until the independence of India in 1947. Following freedom, a much wider scope of reclaiming Indian heritage along with integration and unity was marked, leading to Pune's original name being returned to further signify pride.
3.The Linguistic Perspective
As far as linguistics go, the name Pune is thought to have appeared from the Sanskrit word Punya, which translates to 'virtue' or 'merit.' The suffix -e, which marks a place, is usually found at the end of Marathi places. Hence, Pune can mean either a 'place of virtue' or a 'place of merit.' This fits with the city's image as an educational, spiritual, and cultural supercity.
4.Pune's Legacy and Modern Identity
Pune is now a cosmopolitan city, and yet retains its historical roots. Its name itself serves as a snapshot of its rich history; It has mythological roots and was the capital of the Maratha Empire. Pune's legacy is exhibited by its rich historic remains such as the Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Lal Mahal, and many more.
Aside from being important historically, Pune also developed as an important education, research, and technology hub of the world. It also hosts the University of Pune, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and College of Engineering Pune (COEP) which earned the city the title: 'Oxford of the East.' Additionally, the city's impressive IT sector and active cultural life makes it even more appealing as a contemporary city.
Final Thoughts
The origin of the name 'Pune' is a story revealing some enriching information behind its mythology, geography, history, and linguistics. The combination of both river confluences or sage attributes combined with people's merits fully justifies the name Pune as a city with deep cultural, spiritual, and intellectual significance. Even as the city continues to develop in leaps and bounds, the name will always symbolize the city's legacy and promise for a better tomorrow.