Mysore Pak or Mysore Shree? The Truth Behind the Name and Its Unfounded Link to Pakistan
Jaipur Sweet Shops Rename Mysore Pak Amid Indo-Pak Tensions — But Is the Sweet Really Linked to Pakistan?
Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, a surprising trend has emerged in some parts of India — especially in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Local sweet shops are renaming traditional Indian sweets such as Mysore Pak, Moti Pak, and Gond Pak, replacing “Pak” with “Shree” to avoid any perceived association with Pakistan.
Now, Mysore Pak is being sold as “Mysore Shree”, while Moti Pak has become Moti Shree and Gond Pak is now Gond Shree. But the critical question is: Does “Pak” in these sweet names actually have anything to do with Pakistan? The short answer: absolutely not.
Why the Name Change?
The name change followed a wave of anti-Pakistan sentiment after suspected Pakistan-based terrorists attacked unarmed civilians in Pahalgam, killing 26. In retaliation, Indian security forces targeted multiple terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Amid this backdrop, sweet shop owners in Jaipur reportedly feared misinterpretation or even vandalism of their establishments. Their concerns weren’t unfounded. In a similar incident in Hyderabad, the popular Karachi Bakery was vandalized despite having no ties to Pakistan — the shop’s name merely referred to the city of Karachi, now in Pakistan.
What Is Mysore Pak? A Deep-Rooted Indian Sweet, Not a Foreign Import
Contrary to the recent anxiety around its name, Mysore Pak is an entirely Indian creation, deeply rooted in Karnataka’s royal history. It is made from simple yet rich ingredients: ghee, sugar, gram flour (besan), and sometimes cardamom.
With its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture or a harder, porous form depending on the ghee ratio, Mysore Pak is a staple at Indian festivals, weddings, and special occasions. It is yellow or golden-brown in color and often cut into cubes or rectangular pieces.
What Does “Pak” Actually Mean in Mysore Pak?
The word “Pak” in Mysore Pak comes from the Sanskrit word “Paaka” (पाक), which simply means cooking or cooked syrup. In the culinary context, “paak” refers to the thick, sticky sugar syrup created by simmering sugar with water — a foundational technique in many Indian sweets.
So, the “Pak” in Mysore Pak has nothing to do with Pakistan. It’s purely a reference to the traditional Indian cooking method used to create sugary delights.
How Is Mysore Pak Made? The Traditional Recipe
- Ghee is heated, and gram flour (besan) is added to it, forming a roasted, aromatic mixture.
- Separately, sugar is simmered in water to create a sticky syrup or paaka.
- The ghee-besan mix is added gradually to the sugar syrup.
- Once thickened and aromatic, the mixture is poured into a tray to set and then cut into cubes.
When prepared with a higher amount of ghee, Mysore Pak becomes soft and rich, resembling a fudge. With less ghee, the texture turns more crumbly and porous — but both variants are equally cherished.
The Royal Origin of Mysore Pak
Mysore Pak was invented in the royal kitchens of the Mysore Palace during the reign of Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV (1902–1940). The king was known for his refined taste in food and maintained an elite kitchen at the Amba Vilas Palace.
One day, the head chef Kakasura Madappa experimented with besan, sugar, and ghee to create something novel. The king loved it so much that he asked Madappa to name the sweet and serve it to the public.
Thus, “Mysore” honoured the royal city, and “Pak” referred to the cooking process. The name Mysore Pak has nothing remotely political or international about it — it’s an Indian culinary invention through and through.
Should We Rename Our Sweets? Experts Say No
Culinary historians and cultural commentators argue that changing names like Mysore Pak is unnecessary and misinformed.
“These sweets predate Partition, Pakistan, and the politics of today. The word 'Pak' is a Sanskrit-rooted term integral to Indian culinary traditions,” says Kanupriya Sharma, a cultural scholar.
Even vendors who changed the names reportedly did so out of caution, not conviction. With increasing awareness, several are considering reverting to the original names, fearing they may lose the cultural authenticity that attracts customers in the first place.
Conclusion: Let the Sweetness Stay, Let the Confusion Go
In times of political tension, it is natural for emotions to run high. But renaming traditional Indian sweets due to an unrelated word resemblance risks eroding our rich heritage.
Mysore Pak is as Indian as it gets — a royal creation, an iconic dessert, and a symbol of culinary artistry. Its name has no connection with Pakistan or political ideology. As India continues to cherish its traditions and regional cuisines, it’s essential to protect the integrity of both — starting with something as delightful and innocent as a piece of Mysore Pak.
Did you know?
Karachi Bakery was founded by a Sindhi migrant from Pakistan who settled in India after Partition — and has nothing to do with the city’s political affiliations.
