Overview
Moradabad district is an administrative district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The district headquarters is the city of Moradabad, situated on the banks of the Ramganga river. The district forms part of the Moradabad division and lies in the western region of Uttar Pradesh, in the Rohilkhand belt of the Indo-Gangetic plain.
Moradabad is widely known as Pital Nagri ("Brass City") for its long-established brass handicrafts industry, which is a major source of export earnings for the region.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Division | Moradabad division |
| Headquarters | Moradabad |
| Region | Rohilkhand |
| Major river | Ramganga |
| Known for | Brass and metal handicrafts |
Background
The city of Moradabad was founded in the 17th century during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and is traditionally said to be named after his son Murad Bakhsh. The surrounding region was part of the historical territory of Katehr, later known as Rohilkhand after its rule by the Rohilla Afghans in the 18th century. Following the Anglo-Rohilla wars, the area passed under the Nawab of Awadh and subsequently came under British administration, becoming part of the North-Western Provinces and later the United Provinces.
Geography
The district is located in the upper Ganga–Ramganga doab. The terrain is largely flat alluvial plain, suited to intensive agriculture. The Ramganga river flows through the district and is its principal watercourse. Moradabad shares boundaries with several neighbouring districts of western Uttar Pradesh, including Rampur, Bijnor, Amroha (Jyotiba Phule Nagar) and Sambhal.
Administration
Moradabad district is administered by a District Magistrate and is divided into tehsils and community development blocks for revenue and rural-development purposes. The district is part of the Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency for the Indian Parliament and is also represented in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly through several constituencies. The district has been reorganised over time; in 2011, the new district of Sambhal was carved out from parts of Moradabad and adjoining districts.
Economy
The economy of Moradabad combines agriculture with a strong handicrafts and small-industry sector. Brassware, engraved metal goods, and increasingly aluminium, iron and mixed-metal export products are produced on a large scale, with significant exports to Europe, North America and West Asia. Sugarcane, wheat, rice and pulses are the principal agricultural produce. The Export Promotion Industrial Park near the city supports artisan exporters.
Transport
Moradabad is a major railway junction on the Northern Railway, and the headquarters of the Moradabad railway division. The city is connected by National Highway routes to Delhi, Bareilly, Lucknow and the Kumaon hills, making it an important regional transport hub.
Demographics
According to the Census of India, Moradabad is among the more populous districts of Uttar Pradesh. It has a religiously mixed population with significant Hindu and Muslim communities, and Hindi and Urdu are widely spoken alongside local dialects of the Khari Boli–Kauravi group.
Culture
The district is associated with a long tradition of metal craftsmanship, qawwali and Urdu literary culture. Sites of local interest include the Jama Masjid of Moradabad, built in the 17th century, and several temples and dargahs in and around the city.
Related topics
- Moradabad
- Moradabad division
- Rohilkhand
- Ramganga River
- Districts of Uttar Pradesh
- Brassware of Moradabad
References
- Wikidata: Q1345006
- Government of Uttar Pradesh, district administration portal for Moradabad.
- Census of India, district handbooks for Moradabad.