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Rampur district

Overview

Rampur district is an administrative district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India. The district takes its name from its headquarters, the city of Rampur, which historically served as the capital of the princely state of Rampur during the British Raj. The district lies in the Rohilkhand region of western Uttar Pradesh and forms part of the Moradabad division.

Key facts

Country India
State Uttar Pradesh
Division Moradabad division
Headquarters Rampur
Region Rohilkhand
Type District

Geography

Rampur district is situated in the upper Ganga–Yamuna doab region of Uttar Pradesh. The terrain is largely alluvial plain, well-watered by the Kosi and Ramganga river systems, which support intensive agriculture. The district shares boundaries with several neighbouring districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Moradabad, Bareilly, and Udham Singh Nagar in the adjoining state of Uttarakhand to the north.

History

The area of present-day Rampur district was historically part of Rohilkhand, the homeland of the Rohilla Pathans who settled in the region in the 18th century. The princely state of Rampur was founded in 1774 by Nawab Faizullah Khan following the conclusion of the First Rohilla War. Rampur retained its status as a princely state under successive Nawabs through British paramountcy until it acceded to the Indian Union in 1949, after which it was integrated into the state of Uttar Pradesh as a district.

During its time as a princely state, Rampur became known as a notable centre of Urdu letters, the Rampur gharana of Hindustani classical music, and Indo-Islamic scholarship. The Rampur Raza Library, established by the Nawabs, is among the most significant repositories of Indo-Islamic manuscripts and miniatures in South Asia.

Administration

The district is administered by a District Magistrate, who is an officer of the Indian Administrative Service. For revenue administration, the district is divided into tehsils and further into development blocks. The principal urban centre and municipal seat is the city of Rampur. The district is part of the Rampur Lok Sabha constituency for representation in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, and contains several Vidhan Sabha (state assembly) segments.

Economy

Agriculture forms the backbone of the district's economy, with sugarcane, wheat, paddy, and mentha (mint) among the principal crops. The region is part of the sugarcane-growing belt of western Uttar Pradesh, and sugar mills along with allied agro-processing industries operate in the district. Rampur is also historically associated with crafts including the production of the famous Rampuri knife, traditional embroidery, and patchwork.

Culture

The district carries a distinctive composite cultural heritage shaped by its Nawabi past. Rampur cuisine, classical music traditions, and Urdu poetry continue to be associated with the area. The Rampur Raza Library, housed in the Hamid Manzil within the Rampur Fort complex, functions as an institution of national importance under the Government of India.

References