Noorjahan Mango: Why This ‘Queen of Mangoes’ Costs Up to Rs 1000 Each and Its Afghan Roots
Noorjahan Mango: Why This ‘Queen of Mangoes’ Costs Up to Rs 1000 Each and Its Afghan Roots
Summer and mangoes are a timeless combination in India, but among the many famous varieties, one stands apart for its extraordinary size, royal history, and premium price. Known as the “Queen of Mangoes,” the Noorjahan mango has become a talking point for fruit lovers across the country. Grown in limited quantities in Madhya Pradesh, this rare variety is prized not only for its flavour but also for its fascinating backstory linked to the Mughal era and Afghanistan.
Found mainly in Katthiwada village of Madhya Pradesh’s Alirajpur district, the Noorjahan mango is believed to have been named after Mughal empress Noor Jahan. Food historians suggest that the variety may have originally travelled from Afghanistan to India through Gujarat many decades ago. Interestingly, there are no confirmed records of this mango being cultivated in Afghanistan or Gujarat today, which has made the growers in Madhya Pradesh some of the only known cultivators of the fruit. Though its exact historical origins remain uncertain, the mango continues to be associated with royal heritage and old Mughal traditions.
What truly makes Noorjahan mango special is its remarkable size. Often described as one of the world’s largest mango varieties, a single fruit can reportedly weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 kilograms and grow nearly a foot long. Despite producing such giant fruits, the tree itself remains relatively compact, usually reaching only about 12 feet in height. Farmers say the unique climate, fertile soil, and weather conditions of the region play a major role in giving the fruit its exceptional characteristics.
The mango is known for its deep yellow to saffron-coloured skin and rich aroma. Its pulp is smooth, creamy, juicy, and contains very little fibre, making it especially enjoyable to eat. Many people describe its flavour as mildly sweet with a unique richness that sets it apart from common mango varieties. Because of its rarity and growing demand, prices for Noorjahan mangoes can climb as high as Rs 1000 per piece during the peak season.
Cultivation of Noorjahan mangoes in India is closely linked to a family-run farm in Katthiwada. Reports suggest that Shivraj Singh Jadav’s father first planted the variety in 1965 using a grafted sapling. Over the years, the farm gained widespread attention, especially after being featured on national television between the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since then, the mango has earned a reputation as one of India’s most unique and luxurious fruit varieties.
Limited production and growing curiosity have made Noorjahan mangoes a sought-after delicacy among mango enthusiasts. For many, the fruit is more than just a seasonal treat — it is a symbol of heritage, rarity, and the rich diversity of Indian agriculture.
Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information.
