Indian Villages with Embarrassing Names That Residents Are Eager to Change
Indian Villages with Embarrassing Names That Residents Are Eager to Change
Explore Indian villages with unusual, funny, or embarrassing names like Ganda, Pakistan, and Tatti Khana. Learn why locals are pushing for name changes and the challenges they face.
In a country as culturally rich and linguistically diverse as India, names often serve as a powerful reflection of identity and heritage. But for several Indian villages, their names have become a source of social ridicule and shame, leading to strong demands for renaming.
From Haryana to Telangana, some village names have meanings so odd, embarrassing, or offensive that locals are often hesitant to say them aloud. These names, whether inherited from colonial times or local dialects, have sparked debates over dignity, discrimination, and self-respect.
Villages Seeking New Identities
Here are some notable examples of villages across India that are grappling with the stigma attached to their names:
- Ganda, Haryana: Meaning “dirty” in Hindi, this Fatehabad village was renamed Ajit Nagar in 2017 due to ridicule faced by students and job seekers.
- Kinnar, Haryana: Named after the transgender community, the village was changed to Gaibi Nagar to escape discrimination.
- Lula Ahir, Haryana: The term “Lula” means disabled. Locals in Rewari have long campaigned to rename it Krishan Nagar.
- Kutianwali, Haryana: Associated with female dogs, this village was originally called Sehajadpur before a British officer renamed it. Residents now want the old name restored.
- Chorpura, Rajasthan: Translating to “village of thieves,” the name affects local morale. The proposed alternative: Vikas Nagar.
- Durjanpur, Haryana: Meaning “place of wicked people,” residents seek to change it to Sajjanpur or “village of good people.”
- Kuttabadh, Haryana: This Sirsa village’s name means “dog settlement.” Residents are lobbying to rename it Prem Nagar.
- Pakistan, Bihar: A leftover from Partition, this Purnia village has long struggled with negative perceptions. Locals want it to be called Birsa Nagar.
- Tatti Khana, Telangana: Literally translating to “toilet,” this name is a frequent punchline and a source of shame.
- Kala Bakra, Punjab: Meaning “black goat,” the name subjects locals to frequent mockery.
- Panauti, Uttar Pradesh: A term associated with bad luck, the name causes embarrassment in social settings.
- Gadha, Gujarat & Kutta, Karnataka: Both villages are named after animals—“donkey” and “dog” respectively—triggering frequent jokes.
- Suar, Uttar Pradesh: Translating to “pig,” this name carries heavy social stigma.
- Daru, Jharkhand: Meaning “alcohol,” the name leads to damaging stereotypes about the residents.
Renaming: A Bureaucratic Maze
While the desire to shed these awkward labels is strong, changing a village name in India is a bureaucratic hurdle. The process includes:
- Local Gram Panchayat Approval
- District-Level Endorsement
- State Government Clearance
- Final Approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs
Due to this complex chain, many villages continue to bear names that invite unwanted attention and ridicule.
More Than Just a Name
For these villages, renaming isn’t merely a cosmetic change—it’s a quest for dignity, acceptance, and freedom from prejudice. As the country advances socially and culturally, these communities hope to reclaim their identities in a way that reflects progress, not mockery.
