Overview
Amroha district is an administrative district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It lies in the western part of the state, in the doab region between the Ganges and other tributaries, and forms part of the Moradabad division. The district takes its name from its headquarters town, Amroha, a historic settlement long associated with mango and basmati rice cultivation, handloom weaving, and Sufi shrines.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Division | Moradabad |
| Headquarters | Amroha |
| Official name | Jyotiba Phule Nagar (former); Amroha (current) |
| Region | Western Uttar Pradesh / Rohilkhand |
Background
The district was carved out of the larger Moradabad district and was originally constituted under the name Jyotiba Phule Nagar, a tribute to the 19th-century social reformer Jyotirao Phule. The district was subsequently renamed Amroha, reflecting the historical and cultural identity of its principal town. Amroha town itself has a long history going back to medieval times and is mentioned in connection with the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.
Geography
Amroha district is bounded by other districts of western Uttar Pradesh, with Bijnor to the north, Moradabad to the east, Sambhal to the south-east, and the districts across the Ganges to the west. The terrain is largely a fertile alluvial plain, drained by the Ganges and its tributaries, supporting intensive agriculture.
Administrative divisions
The district is organised into tehsils and development blocks, with the town of Amroha serving as the administrative headquarters. Other notable urban centres in the district include Hasanpur, Dhanaura, Gajraula, and Bachhraon. Gajraula is an important industrial town located on National Highway 9, with a presence of chemical, dairy, and pharmaceutical units.
Economy
The economy of the district is predominantly agrarian. Major crops include sugarcane, wheat, rice (including aromatic basmati varieties), and a range of vegetables. Amroha is particularly noted for its mango orchards, and mangoes from the region are sent to markets across northern India. Traditional crafts include the manufacture of dholaks and other percussion instruments in Amroha town, as well as handloom weaving. Industrial activity is concentrated around Gajraula.
Demographics and culture
The district has a mixed population of Hindu and Muslim communities, with Hindi and Urdu widely spoken. Amroha has historically been a centre of Urdu literary culture and is associated with poets and filmmakers, most notably Kamal Amrohi, the writer–director of films such as Pakeezah, and the poet Jaun Elia, who hailed from the town. The dargah of Sufi saint Sharfuddin Shah Wilayat is among the prominent religious sites in the district.
Transport
Amroha district is served by National Highway 9, which connects Delhi with Lucknow via Moradabad and passes through Gajraula. The district is also on the Delhi–Moradabad railway line of the Northern Railway, with stations at Amroha, Gajraula and other towns providing rail links to Delhi, Moradabad and onward destinations.
Significance
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