Aligarh

Aligarh is a significant city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

It serves as the administrative headquarters for the Aligarh district. The city is situated within a geographic region known as a doab. A doab is the fertile land found between two rivers. Specifically, Aligarh sits between the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers. The city is located approximately 134 kilometers from New Delhi. It is also positioned northwest of the state capital, Lucknow. Many different districts surround the city, including Mathura and Bulandshahr. As of the 2011 Census, Aligarh was the 53rd most populous city in India.

The climate in Aligarh is classified as hot semi-arid. This means the area is somewhat dry compared to humid subtropical regions. The weather follows a distinct seasonal pattern throughout the year. Summers begin in April and reach their peak heat in May. The monsoon season arrives in late June and lasts until early October. During these months, the city experiences high humidity and most of its annual rainfall. Winter starts in December and continues through February. While winters are generally mild, the city can experience extreme cold snaps. In the 2011–12 period, the temperature dropped to a low of 1 °C.

Aligarh has a deep history that stretches back many centuries. Archaeological records suggest that Jains once inhabited the area. In the 12th century, the region was under the control of the Dor Rajputs. This changed in 1194 when Qutb-ud-din Aibak led a successful invasion. Following this, Hisam-ud-din Ulbak became the first Muslim governor. The city was originally known as Kol or Koil.

Historical sources from the 13th century describe Kol as a major economic center. It was particularly famous for the production of distilled wine. The city underwent several name changes over the centuries. It eventually settled on the name Aligarh during the mid-1700s.

Significant military and political shifts shaped the modern city. During the 16th century, the Aligarh Fort underwent a major rebuilding process. In 1803, the Battle of Aligarh took place during the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

The British 76th Regiment besieged the fort, which was then held by a French officer named Perron. This event helped establish British rule in the region. In 1804, the Aligarh district was officially formed. This new district combined several British divisions and included areas like Anupshahr and Sikandra Rao. Claude Russell was appointed as the first Collector of the district on August 1, 1804.

Education is a vital part of Aligarh's identity. The city is home to the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

This institution was founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in 1875. It originally began as the Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College. The college was designed to prepare Muslims for government service and British university training. The institution officially became a university in 1920. The AMU campus is quite large, covering 467.6 hectares.

The university is well-known for its specialized courses in Law, Medicine, and Engineering.

The economy of Aligarh is driven by trade and manufacturing. The city is a major center for the lock industry.

Aligarh locks are famous enough to be exported all over the world. The history of this industry includes the firm Johnson & Co., which was the first English lock firm there in 1870. Beyond locks, the city is a hub for brass hardware and sculptures. Many manufacturers work with metals like bronze, iron, and aluminium. The city also benefits from nearby energy production. The Harduaganj Thermal Power Station is located only 15 km away. Additionally, the Narora Atomic Power Station is situated 50 km from the city.

Transportation connects Aligarh to much of the Indian subcontinent. Aligarh Junction is an A-Class railway station on the Delhi-Kolkata route.

This station is one of the oldest on this route. It serves over 204,000 passengers every day and handles more than 136 trains daily. By road, the city is connected by several major highways. National Highway 91 connects the city to both Kolkata and New Delhi. The Yamuna Expressway also provides a six-lane connection to Greater Noida and Agra. Local travel within the city is supported by the Mahanagar Bus Service.

Cultural life in Aligarh is vibrant and diverse. The city sits in the cultural region known as Braj. Hindi is the most commonly spoken language, while Urdu is the second-largest.

Every year, the city hosts the Numaish, an annual cultural exhibition. This event takes place at the Numaish Ground during January and February. The ground was donated by Nawab Rehmat Ullah Khan Sherwani. The exhibition features over 150 stage events performed by artists from across India.

Visitors can also explore landmarks like the Jama Masjid or the Khereshwar Temple. The Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Sciences offers a unique look at the history of science.