Did you know? How Punjagutta got its name?
Hyderabad: Do you know the fascinating origin of the name “Punjagutta”? According to etymology enthusiasts, it comes from the words Punja (palm) and Ghutna (knee), which refer to imprints believed to have been left by Hazrat Ali.
The tale goes that a Qutb Shahi general, after dreaming of these marks, discovered them on a hill (Pahad) the next day. Over time, Punjaghutna evolved into the more familiar Punjagutta. Some also interpret it as “a hillock with a palm imprint,” adding an additional layer to its intriguing history.
Today, Punjagutta is a thriving commercial and residential hub in western Hyderabad. The area is home to a bustling mix of IT hubs, shopping malls, and renowned jewelry shops, making it a major destination for both business and leisure. Strategically located, Punjagutta serves as a crucial transit point, connecting the districts of Ameerpet, Banjara Hills, Somajiguda, and Khairtabad.
The area, once known for its heavy traffic congestion, has seen significant improvements with the construction of twin flyovers. These flyovers have eased the flow of traffic, making commuting more convenient for residents and visitors. As Punjagutta continues to grow, it remains a vital part of Hyderabad’s urban landscape, blending rich history with modern development.
Murali Duggineni (@NarrativeNest), an etymology enthusiast and author of an etymology quiz book on India, recently shared his insights on X (formerly Twitter). His post read: “Punjagutta derives its name from a Pahad bearing palm (punja) and knee (ghutna) impressions, believed to be of Hazrat Ali. The story says a Qutb Shahi general dreamt of these marks and found them on the Pahad the next day. Over time, ‘Punjaghutna’ became Punjagutta.”
Punjagutta derives its name from a pahad bearing palm (punja) and knee (ghutna) impressions, believed to be of Hazrat Ali. Legend says a Qutb Shahi general dreamt of these marks and found them on the pahad the next day. In the course of time, “Punjaghutna” became Punjagutta. pic.twitter.com/aOuxbLWHfH
— Murali Duggineni (@NarrativeNest) December 4, 2024
