Which Indian City is Known for Changing Its Name 21 Times?

Many cities in India carry deep histories, and over time, some of them have changed their names more than once. These changes often reflect cultural traditions, religious importance, or political decisions made by different rulers and governments. Such name shifts tell stories of India’s past and present, showing how cities continue to evolve while keeping their unique identity alive.

How many Cities are there in India?

Before we focus on Kanpur, let’s quickly understand the bigger picture. India has around 797 cities. Of these, about 752 are in states and the rest are in union territories. Some sources show slightly different numbers, between 780 and 813, depending on the classification. Among all these, Kanpur is the one with the most name changes in history.

Which City Changed its Name  21 Times?

The Indian city that has changed its name the most times is Kanpur, located in Uttar Pradesh. Historical records suggest that Kanpur’s name has been altered around 21 times over centuries. Its original name was Kanhpur, and later rulers, colonial influence, and spelling changes gave it different names before it officially became Kanpur in 1948.

The Original Name of Kanpur

Kanpur’s earliest known name was Kanhpur, named after its founder Hindu Singh Chandel. Later, it went through multiple variations such as Kanhaiyapur, Karnapur, Khanpur, Patkapur, and many more.

Why did the Name Change So Often?

The city’s name changed repeatedly because of:

• Rulers: Different dynasties, from Mughals to the British, influenced local names.
• Spelling Adjustments: British officers struggled with Indian pronunciations, so they changed spellings.
• Administrative Reasons: Some changes were made to simplify or standardize usage.

During the British period, the city was often written as Cawnpore or Cawnpur.

The Last Name Change

The final official change happened in 1948, just after India’s independence. The British version Cawnpore was dropped, and the city became Kanpur, which is still in use today.

Different Names of Kanpur in History

Some of the names by which Kanpur was known include:

• Kanhpur
• Kanhaiyapur
• Karnapur
• Khanpur
• Patkapur
• Cawnpore/ Cawnpur
• Kanhuapur
• Seemamau

And many more small variations in spellings. This shows how the city’s name adapted with time, rulers, and pronunciation.

Kanpur’s Role in the Revolt of 1857

Kanpur also holds an important place in India’s freedom struggle. During the First War of Independence in 1857, leaders like Nana Sahib, Tatya Tope, and Azimullah Khan led the uprising from here. After the revolt, the British turned Kanpur into an industrial hub, establishing textile mills and promoting leather industries.

Kanpur Today

Modern Kanpur is one of the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh. It is often called the “Leather City of India” because of its leather and textile industries. The city is now divided into two districts: Kanpur Nagar (urban) and Kanpur Dehat (rural).