Residents Ask Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to Restore “Ooty” Name

Residents of the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu appealed to Chief Minister M.K. Vijay to rename Udhagamandalam back to Ootacamund, commonly known as Ooty. The name Ooty holds cultural significance for the region’s indigenous communities, including the Todas, Badagas, and Kotas, and represents a long-standing source of local pride.

The name was changed to Udhagamandalam in 1972, a Sanskritization that locals view as unnecessary. Historical records indicate the name originates from the indigenous Dravidian language, specifically the Badaga term ‘Hottegemund,’ predating both English and Tamil influences.

Researchers like Rev A. Metz in 1830 and Sir Frederic Price in 1908 documented this origin.

Residents believe restoring the name would honor the region’s heritage and resonate with both locals and tourists. They point to the historical precedent of renaming Madras State to Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the emotional value of reclaiming an ancient name.