If you’ve lived in or around Delhi-NCR, you’ve definitely heard people argue over whether to call the bustling corporate hub “Gurgaon” or “Gurugram.” Some still swear by the old name, while others have embraced the new one. But behind this seemingly simple renaming lies a story that’s a mix of mythology, history, politics, and identity.
The Mythological Roots
The origins of “Gurugram” go back thousands of years, all the way to the Mahabharata. The land was believed to be gifted to Guru Dronacharya, the revered teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas, by King Dhritarashtra. “Guru” means teacher, and “gram” means village—literally translating to “the village of the teacher.”
So technically, “Gurugram” is the original name, and “Gurgaon” was more like a shorthand that evolved over time. Some historians believe “gaon” (village) was a local way of saying “gram,” and that gradually stuck.
Colonial Twists and Urban Boom
During the British era, Gurgaon was a quiet agricultural area with little prominence. Post-independence, it remained underdeveloped for decades until the late 20th century, when real estate giants and multinational corporations saw its potential.
By the 1990s, Gurgaon had transformed into a glittering hub of skyscrapers, malls, and IT parks. The name “Gurgaon” became synonymous with rapid urbanization, luxury apartments, and global business. But for many locals, it also represented a loss of cultural identity—the city was becoming modern but drifting away from its roots.
The 2016 Renaming
In April 2016, the Haryana government officially changed “Gurgaon” to “Gurugram.” The move was presented as a way to honor its mythological heritage and bring back pride in its cultural legacy. Critics, however, felt it was a political gimmick—an attempt to tap into cultural symbolism rather than solving the city’s real issues like traffic, pollution, and infrastructure.
Yet, the renaming sparked conversations. Some residents welcomed the historical correction, while others worried that international recognition might take a hit. After all, “Gurgaon” had become a brand in itself, especially for global businesses.
Gurugram Today: Balancing Past and Present
Almost a decade later, the city still wears both names. Locals, especially millennials and Gen Z, often use “Gurgaon” in casual conversations. Official documents, signage, and government announcements, though, stick to “Gurugram.”
In a way, this dual identity mirrors the city itself—one foot rooted in mythology and tradition, the other striding ahead into the future as India’s “Millennium City.”
The Untold Part
The name change wasn’t just about correcting history—it was also about reclaiming an identity. In a globalized world where cities often lose their local flavor, Gurugram’s renaming was a reminder that history and culture still matter. It asked an important question: can rapid modernization go hand-in-hand with honoring one’s roots?
Final Thoughts
Whether you call it Gurgaon or Gurugram, the city remains a fascinating blend of contradictions—ancient mythology meets glassy corporate towers, rustic traditions meet global ambitions. Maybe the real story isn’t about which name is “right,” but about how the city continues to evolve while carrying both its past and future in its name. continues to evolve while carrying both its past and future in its name.
