Anarkali

Anarkali is a uniquely crafted mango variety developed by Padma Shri
Haji Kalimullah Khan of Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh. It was introduced as one of the later additions to his renowned orchard, which houses over 300 named mango cultivars grafted onto a single centennial tree. What makes Anarkali striking is its “double skin” structure: there is an initial outer green layer that, when peeled, reveals a second yellow skin beneath. Inside, the fruit has two distinct layers of pulp, each differing slightly in taste. Early tasters describe the first slice as reminiscent of Chausa mango, while subsequent bites evolve to evoke
Lakhnavi Dasheri, giving Anarkali a depth of flavor seldom found in a single variety.
Visually and texturally, Anarkali is a
connoisseur ’s delight: its appearance is as much a conversation piece as its taste. After peeling away the first skin, the juicy yellow-orange flesh beneath reveals hues of deep yellow and rusty orange. The taste progression—starting sweet, then layered with citrusy Chausa tang and the mellow sweetness of Lakhnavi Dasheri—makes each bite an experience. Khan has remarked that this variety was bred by cross-breeding flowers from two distinct mango varieties, though the exact parents are not always specified. Growers who’ve seen Anarkali believe it has potential for commercial appeal beyond India due to its ornamentation and flavor complexity.
Anarkali is a celebrated addition to Haji Khan’s orchard. Named after the famous “Anarkali” (pomegranate blossom) in culture, it represents his craft in developing layered fruit for both aesthetic and taste complexity.
Enthusiasts are drawn to Anarkali for its rare two‐skin & two‐pulp feature that delivers evolving flavor. Its uniqueness makes it primarily of interest to collectors rather than large scale fruit markets given its rarity and likely inconsistent commercial traits.