Understanding Place Names in 19th Century India

 Introduction

George Jennings lived in Matoonga, Bombay Presidency from 1823-1829. During this time, he married Catherine Jacob on 16 July 1827 in Saint Andrews Church, Bombay, India.[i] The couple began their married life in Matoonga and remained there until the tragic death of their infant son, George, on 17 September 1829.[ii]

Following their son’s passing, the family relocated to Ahmednuggur, Bombay Presidency. This move coincided with George’s promotion to Sergeant in the Artillery of the Bombay Army.[iii] The journey spanned approximately 260 kilometres (160 miles), likely taking several days by horse or bullock cart.

Untangling the Place Names

Historical records often reflect variations in place names, especially during British colonial rule in India. These differences in spelling can cause confusion but are rooted in transliteration practices of the time.

1.       Matunga and Matoonga:

Both names refer to the same place, now a neighbourhood in present-day Mumbai, Maharashtra.

·         Matunga: The modern name consistently used today to describe this area in Mumbai.

·         Matoonga: A common spelling in the early 19th century, as reflected in records like George Jennings’ children’s baptismal entries. At the time, Matoonga was part of Bombay, a major port city and administrative hub for the Bombay Presidency.

2.       Ahmednagar and Ahmednuggur

Both names refer to the same city in present-day Maharashtra.

·         Ahmednagar: The modern spelling widely used today.

·         Ahmednuggur: A variant spelling commonly used by the British in the 19th century. This version appears in records from George Jennings’ lifetime.

Why the Spelling Differences?

These variations arise from historical transliteration practices used by the British to approximate local pronunciations. As a result, multiple spellings were often used interchangeably in colonial records.

Useful links for background

WikiTree profile for George Jennings (bef. 1804 - 1844)

Blogpost Meta Data

The URL for this post is: https://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com/2025/01/understanding-place-names-in-19th.html Originally published on 10 January 2025

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post. Share it on Twitter/X, Facebook, or Pinterest using the icons below. Or contact me by email via the Contact Form on the Blog.

---

[i] Marriage of George Jennings(Gunner in the Honourble Company’s Regiment of Artillery) & Catherine Jacob married by banns on 18 July 1827, from the offical copy of the Register of Marriages for the Chaplaincy of Matoonga in the Archdeaconry of Bombay between 31 December 1827-1 January 1828, entry 65, page 193. Findmypast, British India Office Marriages, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948, citing IOR Reference Z/N/3, Volume Number 8, Folio 193).

[ii] Death of George Jennings(son) died 17 September 1829 at the age of 2 months, while residing in Matoonga, Register for burials for the Chaplaincy of Matoonga, Archdeanery of Bombay, 5^th unnumbered entry page 335. Findmypast, Parish register transcripts from the Presidency of Bombay, 1709-1948(database with images),  citing British India Office Deaths & Burials N-3-9 page 355

[iii] Entry for the Service of George Jennings, attested 25 November 1822, Middlesex; “Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers” (database without images) citing Registers of Bombay Army European Soldiers 1793-1839,  A-K, from India Office Records, Reference L/MIL/12/109 transcribed by Robert Charnock & FIBIS Volunteers ( accessed https://www.fibis.org/ : 5 January 2025)