Royal Roots Of India’s Favourite Mango : The Captivating Tale of A 250-Year-Old Dasheri Mother Tree

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There's something magical about mango season, isn't it? The sweltering summer heat becomes a little more bearable the moment the first baskets of golden, fragrant mangoes appear at the local fruit stalls. And for those in and around Lucknow, that magic often comes wrapped in the sweet, juicy form of the Dasheri mango.

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This particular variety isn't just another fruit, it's a slice of living history. While Dasheri mangoes are savoured across India and beyond, few know the fascinating origins of this beloved variety. It all begins in a small village near Lucknow, where a 250-year-old tree still stands, quietly guarding a legacy.

A Mango With Royal Roots

The story of the Dasheri mango starts in the quaint village of Dasheri, located near Kakori in Uttar Pradesh. This is no ordinary place, it's home to the legendary Dasheri Mother Tree, the very tree that gave birth to this cherished mango variety.

Towering at a majestic height and estimated to be around 250 years old, the tree was once under the care of the Nawab of Lucknow. According to local legend, it was from this very tree that cuttings were first taken, spreading the Dasheri mango across the region and eventually, the globe.

Today, the tree is tended to by Sameer Zaidi and still considered the property of the Nawab's family, specifically Mohammad Ansar Sahab. The mangoes from this tree aren't sold. Instead, they're shared with visitors, making the tree a living, breathing heritage site and a source of pride for the locals.

A Village Named After A Fruit

Interestingly, the mango didn't get its name from the region of Malihabad, as many believe. Instead, it's the Dasheri village itself that lent its name to the fruit. Upendra Kumar Singh, General Secretary of the Awadh Mango Growers Horticulture Committee, confirms that the village and the mango share a direct link, with the Mother Tree as their common ancestor.

This deep-rooted connection isn't just sentimental-it's protected too. In 2009, the mango was officially registered under Geographical Indications (GI) No. 125 as "Mango Malihabad Dasheri", ensuring that the mangoes grown in this region are recognised for their authenticity and heritage.

Malihabad : The Mango Heartland

Though Dasheri village holds the origin story, Malihabad has become synonymous with large-scale mango cultivation. Known as the largest mango orchard region in northern India, Malihabad produces around 2 to 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes every year, many of which are Dasheri.

The Miraculous Mother Tree

The Dasheri Mother Tree isn't just old, it's resilient. Locals remember a time when the tree had completely dried up, appearing as though it had reached the end of its life. But then, as if touched by some divine force, it sprung back to life, once again bearing its signature fruit. This miraculous revival has inspired many to plant entire orchards from its grafts, hoping to preserve its strength and sweetness.

From Poets To Plates : A Fruit That Travels Through Time

The Dasheri mango has captured hearts far and wide. Historical accounts suggest even Mirza Ghalib, the famed Urdu poet, was enamoured with its flavour. Today, Dasheri mangoes are exported around the world, their reputation carried by generations of farmers and fruit lovers.

Despite the fame, the Mother Tree remains tucked away near Kakori station-quiet, majestic, and surrounded by history. The mangoes it bears continue to be a personal legacy of the Nawab's family, who view them as a heritage rather than a commodity.

A Flavour Worth The Journey

So, if you've ever bitten into a Dasheri mango and marvelled at its sweetness, now you know-you're tasting more than just fruit. You're savouring centuries of care, culture, and an enduring legacy rooted in a little village just outside Lucknow.

As a mango lover, if you're simply curious about the stories behind your favourite summer treat, a visit to Dasheri village is sure to offer both a history lesson and a sensory delight. After all, what better way to celebrate the king of fruits than by paying homage to the queen mother of them all?