Hin: बदायूँ badāyū̃
‘Banyan Cluster’ City/District, Uttar Pradesh.
Skt: vaṭa, ‘Indian fig-tree’ [possibly Ficus benghalensis, a species of banyan tree also known as East Indian fig]; vana, ‘tree’, ‘thicket’, ‘cluster’
Budaun is an ancient city with a history dating back to at least the early medieval period. Some sources trace its name to the some type of fig or banyan tree, while others suggest Skt/Pkt: bodha/boda origin linked to learning and wisdom.
The city appears in early Muslim chronicles as Badrāyūn, which may reflect a Persianized pronunciation of its older name.
Budaun gained prominence during the Delhi Sultanate, serving as a provincial capital under the Mamluks (Slave Dynasty). It was a key center of Islamic learning and administration in the 13th and 14th centuries, with numerous mosques and madrasas established here.
The Jama Masjid of Budaun, built in 1223 CE during Iltutmish’s reign, is one of India’s oldest surviving mosques.
During the Mughal period, Budaun remained an important center of Sufism and trade, known for its textiles, metalwork, and agricultural economy. In the colonial period, it became part of the United Provinces and played a minor role in the nationalist movements.
Today, Budaun is known for its weaving industry, sugar mills, and agricultural markets, contributing to the economy of western Uttar Pradesh. It retains its reputation as a religious and cultural center, with many old Sufi shrines and historical mosques.
For related place names see Indian Place names and Uttar Pradesh place names.
