Moradabad

Moradabad is a major industrial city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

It sits on the banks of the Ramganga river. The city is 356 km northwest of Lucknow, the state capital. It is also positioned near New Delhi, the national capital. Moradabad serves as a vital hub for industry, education, and administration. It is a large urban center with a significant population. According to the 2011 census, it is the tenth most populous city in Uttar Pradesh. Nationally, it ranks as the 54th most populous city in India.

The city is famous for its metalwork and craftsmanship. People often call it Pital Nagri, which means "Brass City."

Local artisans create brass handicrafts that are exported to many countries around the world. In recent decades, the city has expanded its industrial focus. It now works with other metals like aluminium, steel, and iron. This economic growth led the financial daily Livemint to name Moradabad as one of 25 emerging cities to watch in 2025. The city is also part of the National Smart Cities Mission. This government program aims to modernize 100 cities across India.

The history of Moradabad involves many different rulers over four centuries. The region was originally part of Katehr and was a stronghold for Katheria Rajputs. Between 1200 and 1424, the area faced many attacks from the Delhi Sultanate. The Katheria Rajputs often hid in jungles to survive these conflicts. Peace arrived in 1424 when the Katheria leader, Har Singh, agreed to rule under the Delhi Sultanate. Later, the Mughal Empire took control of the region in 1530. The area was briefly held by the Sur Empire before the Mughals reconquered it. During this time, the settlement was known as Chaupala.

The city we know today was shaped by Rustam Khan in 1624.

He was the governor of Katehar under the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Rustam Khan captured Chaupala and refounded it as Rustamnagar. He built a fort and the Jama Masjid on the banks of the Ramganga river. This mosque was the first Jama Masjid built on a riverbank. However, Shah Jahan was unhappy that Rustam Khan exceeded his orders. To please the emperor, Rustam Khan renamed the city Muradabad. He named it after Prince Murad Bakhsh, the youngest son of Shah Jahan. This name has remained for centuries.

Following the Mughal era, the political landscape changed through several wars. In the 1730s, Afghan tribes known as Rohillas settled in the Katehr region. Ali Mohammed Khan eventually founded the Rohilkhand state in 1742. This state included Moradabad, Bareilly, Rampur, and Amroha. Later, the Nawab of Oudh defeated the Rohilla leader Hafiz Rahmat Khan in 1774. This ended the Rohilkhand state and brought Moradabad under Oudh rule. By 1801, the Oudh state ceded the region to the British East India Company. This transition happened because the Oudh state could not pay its debts to the British.

British rule brought significant social and economic changes to the city. In the early 19th century, the British divided Rohilkhand into new districts. Moradabad became the headquarters for the Moradabad district. However, British land policies caused great hardship for local people. Many landowners lost their influence, and average wages for ordinary people almost halved. This discontent fueled the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Rebels in Moradabad, including landowners and ordinary citizens, fought against British officers. The British eventually re-established control in April 1858 after a period of intense conflict.

In the 20th century, Moradabad became a center for political movements. It played a major role in the Civil Disobedience Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sarojini Naidu attended a major convention in Moradabad. The city also saw significant action during the Quit India Movement. These movements were essential steps toward India gaining independence in 1947. Since independence, Moradabad has continued to grow as an industrial powerhouse. It remains a vital part of the Northern Railway division.

The city is well-connected by rail and even has its own airport.