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What is the first name of Rawalpindi?

Published in City Etymology 2 mins read

The name Rawalpindi originates from the Rawals, a Jogi tribe who founded the village. The first element of the name, rāval, is directly derived from the name of this tribe.

Origin of the Name Rawalpindi

The name Rawalpindi literally translates to the "village of Rawals". This etymology points directly to the Jogi tribe known as the Rawals, who are credited with establishing the settlement.

Based on the provided reference, key aspects of the name's origin include:

  • The name Rawalpindi means "the village of Rawals".
  • The initial part of the name, rāval, comes from the name of the Jogi tribe known as the Rawals.
  • This tribe was responsible for founding the village.
  • This historical detail is documented in the autobiography of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, titled Tuzk-e-Jahangiri.

Breakdown of the Name

The name can be understood by breaking it down into its components as suggested by its meaning:

Part of Name Meaning/Origin
Rawal (rāval) Derived from the Rawals Jogi tribe
pindi Village
Rawalpindi Village of Rawals

This interpretation, recorded historically, confirms that the name directly reflects the identity of its founders. The "first name" in the context of the city's current appellation refers to the foundational element, Rawal, which connects it to the tribe that established it.

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