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Rampur, Uttar Pradesh

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

Rampur Junction
Rampur Junction

It serves as the administrative headquarters for the Rampur district. The city sits within the Moradabad division. Geographically, it is located at 28°48′N latitude and 79°05′E longitude. It is bounded by several other districts. Udham Singh Nagar lies to the north. Bareilly is to the east. Moradabad is to the west. Badaun is to the south. The district covers an area of 2,367 square kilometres. The elevation ranges from 192 metres in the north to 166.4 metres in the south.

Rampur UPSRTC Depot
Rampur UPSRTC Depot

The climate in Rampur experiences distinct seasonal changes. In the summer, temperatures typically range between 30°C and 43°C. The winter months are much cooler. During this time, temperatures usually fluctuate between 3°C and 25°C. The region contains extensive agricultural land. During the monsoon season, long periods of rainfall occur. When this happens, the Nainital mountain ranges become visible to the north. This geography shapes the local environment and the lives of those living there.

The history of the region involves many different ruling powers. Originally, the area was known as Kather. It was associated with Raja Ram Singh and four villages. The Katheria Rajputs ruled this area for about 400 years. They resisted many external powers during this time. They fought the Sultans of Delhi and the Mughals. These battles occurred with leaders like Nasiruddin Mahmud in 1253 and Sikandar Lodi in 1494. Later, the Rohilla dynasty became dominant. Following the Rohilla War of 1774–1775, the Rohilla state of Rampur was established.

Faizullah Khan
Faizullah Khan

Nawab Faizullah Khan founded the state on 7 October 1774. He did so in the presence of British commander Colonel Champion.

Nawab Faizullah Khan was the first ruler of the new state.

He ruled for 20 years. He began collecting Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Urdu manuscripts. These collections eventually became the core of a famous library. After his death, his son Muhammad Ali Khan became Nawab. His reign lasted only 24 days before he was killed. His brother, Ghulam Muhammad Khan, then became Nawab. However, the East India Company defeated him after three months and 22 days. The Governor-General then appointed Ahmad Ali Khan. He ruled for 44 years. Later, Muhammad Sa'id Khan improved the lives of local farmers. He also established regular courts and an army.

The Nawabs significantly influenced the culture and architecture of Rampur.

Jama Masjid rampur
Jama Masjid rampur

They built many structures using Mughal architectural styles. The Jama Masjid is a notable example. It was built by Nawab Faizullah Khan. The mosque features three domes and four tall minarets. These minarets are topped with golden finials. The entrance includes a clock tower with a clock from Britain. The Fort of Rampur also contains important buildings. The Darbar Hall was built by Nawab Hamid Ali Khan in 1905. Today, this hall houses the Raza Library.

Raza Library
Raza Library

This library is a major centre for scholars. It contains over 12,000 rare manuscripts and Mughal miniature paintings.

B16721LM
B16721LM

Rampur is also a major centre for the arts. It is considered the third most important centre for Urdu poetry. This status follows Delhi and Lucknow. Famous poets like Mirza Ghalib and Daagh Dehlvi were associated with the Rampur court. The Nawabs also supported classical music. The Rampur-Sahaswan gharana of Hindustani classical music originated here.

Sir Kalb Ali Khan, Nawab of Rampur (1832-1887)
Sir Kalb Ali Khan, Nawab of Rampur (1832-1887)

Court musicians like Ustad Mushtaq Hussain Khan received high honours. The city is also known for its unique cuisine. This style, called Rampuri cuisine, is a branch of Mughlai cooking. It includes dishes like Rampuri korma and mutton kebabs. Additionally, the city is famous for the Rampuri chaaku, or knife.

Flag of the Rampur State
Flag of the Rampur State

These knives became popular through Bollywood films.

The demographics of the district have changed over time. According to the 2011 Census, the population was 325,248. This was a 16% increase from the 2001 Census. The population is 52.2% male and 47.8% female. The sex ratio was 915 females per 1,000 males. The average literacy rate was 53.7%. This is lower than the national average of 64.3%. Most residents speak Urdu or Hindi.

Mumtaz Library 2
Mumtaz Library 2

The Nawabs also bred a specific type of dog. The Rampur Greyhound is a smooth-coated sighthound. Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan created this breed. He crossed the English Greyhound with the Tazi, or Afghan hound. These dogs were used by the Nawabs for hunting.

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🖼️ Images & Media (11)
File:Flag of the Rampur State.svg
Flag of the Rampur State.svg
File:Faizullah Khan.jpg
Faizullah Khan.jpg
File:Imambara, Fort of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, c.1911.jpg
Imambara, Fort of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh,...
File:Sir Kalb Ali Khan, Nawab of Rampur (1832-1887).jpg
Sir Kalb Ali Khan, Nawab of Rampur (1832-1887).jpg
File:The procession of Yusef Ali Khan.jpg
The procession of Yusef Ali Khan.jpg
File:B16721LM.jpg
B16721LM.jpg
File:Rampur Junction.jpg
Rampur Junction.jpg
File:Rampur UPSRTC Depot.jpg
Rampur UPSRTC Depot.jpg
File:Jama Masjid rampur.jpg
Jama Masjid rampur.jpg
File:Raza Library.jpg
Raza Library.jpg
File:Mumtaz Library 2.jpg
Mumtaz Library 2.jpg
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