What is Bajra Called in English?

Bajra is a very popular grain in India, but many people don't know what Bajra is called in English. Don't worry, if you have ever wondered what to call Bajra in english or how to identify if bajra is present in any packaged food, then we are here to help you out. 

In this article, we will explore what Bajra is called in English, its scientific name, different names in different languages and nutrition facts about Bajra. 

Bajra in English

Bajra is called Pearl Millet in english due to its round grains which are of pale colour and resemble small pearls. In addition to pearl millet, it can also be found under the following names: Bulrush millet (grown in parts of Africa),  Some other markets worldwide use cattail millet,  African millet or spiked millet (as it was called in the older botanical literature).

The common and accepted English term is 'pearl millet'.

Bajra is a Hindi term which is commonly used in North India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Pennisetum glaucum, commonly known as pearl millet, is a traditional Hindi name for bajra. In other regions of the world it is known as dukn, cumbu, gero, sanio, kambu, babala or bulrush millet.

Botanical Name of Bajra

The botanical name of bajra is Pennisetum glaucum. This crop has been grown in the Indian subcontinent and Africa since prehistoric times.

It is important to use the binomial name Pennisetum glaucum for universal and unambiguous scientific communication. The common names such as Bajra, Pearl Millet, Kambu or Sajjalu differ according to region and language, leading to confusion. The scientific name gives a unique, standardised identifier globally which means scientists, farmers and students in the world refer to the same species.

Bajra Names Across Indian Languages

People often search for the English name because bajra is known by a completely different name in almost every language of India. A quick reference is provided here:

Bajra is called Kamboo in Tamil and Malayalam, Sajjalu in Telugu, Bajri in Marathi, Gujarati and also in Bengali, Oriya, Punjabi and Urdu.

Where Does Bajra Come From?

Bajra (pearl millet, African millet or spiked millet) is a crop native to Northern-Central Sahel region of West Africa and introduced to the Indian subcontinent about 2500 years back.

Bajra, also known as pearl millet, is a resilient and nutritious ancient grain which is a staple food in India for thousands of years, particularly in arid parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

India is the world's largest producer of bajra, the state of Rajasthan being the top producer. The crop is a lifeline for dry land farmers as it grows well in areas where wheat and rice cannot grow.

Bajra Nutrition Facts

Bajra is power-packed with carbohydrates, essential amino acids, antioxidants, multiple vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, niacin, and beta carotene, and minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc.

It is also naturally gluten free, making it a safe grain for people with coeliac disease and those sensitive to gluten.

Bajra vs. Other Millets: Quick Comparison

There are a number of millets in India which are often mixed up. Bajra is different from the rest in the following ways:

Bajra is a grain which is rich in iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, making it great for anaemia, heart health, and immune support. The special property of Bajra is its high iron density and drought resilience.

Practice MCQs for Competitive Exams

Q1. What is the botanical name of Bajra?

A) Sorghum bicolor B) Eleusine coracana C) Pennisetum glaucum D) Setaria italica

Answer: C) Pennisetum glaucum 

The botanical name of bajra is Pennisetum glaucum.

Q2. What state is the largest producer of Bajra in India?

(A) Gujarat (B) Maharashtra (C) Punjab (D) Rajasthan

Answer: D) Rajasthan 

Rajasthan is the largest producer of Bajra in India because of its dry climate and sandy soil.

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