Country | India |
Population | 903668 |
Area | 106 km2 (41 sq mi) |
Time Zone | IST |
Coordinates | 28.36678, 79.43167 |
Highest elevation | 268 m (879 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Bareilly, a bustling city in the Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh, stands as one of the largest metropolises in Western Uttar Pradesh and serves as the central hub for the Bareilly division and the historical region of Rohilkhand. Located in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, Bareilly is approximately 252 kilometers (157 miles) northwest of Lucknow, the state capital, and 265 kilometers (165 miles) east of New Delhi, the national capital. With a population of 903,668 as of the 2011 census, Bareilly is the eighth most populous city in the state, the 17th in northern India, and the 54th in the entire country.
Geographically, Bareilly is situated on the banks of the Ramganga River, which plays a vital role in the region’s irrigation thanks to the Ramganga Barrage. The city’s location in the fertile plains of northern India has made it an important center for agriculture and trade.
The city’s history dates back to 1537 when it was established by local chieftain Jagat Singh Katehriya and named ‘Bans-Bareli’ after his two sons, Bansaldev and Bareldev. Bareilly came under Mughal control in 1569 and became the capital of a local pargana by 1596. The modern city of Bareilly was founded by Mughal governor Mukrand Rai in 1657 and became the seat of the governor of Budaun in 1658. The weakening of the Mughal Empire led to the rise of the Kingdom of Rohilkhand, with Bareilly as a major center.
In 1774, the city came under the control of the Oudh State after the fall of the Rohillas in the First Rohilla War and was subsequently ceded to the British East India Company in 1801. A military station was established in 1811, and a fort was constructed in 1816. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Bareilly was briefly freed by rebels and ruled by Khan Bahadur Khan until it was re-annexed by the British in 1858.
Culturally, Bareilly is renowned as the birthplace of the Barelvi Movement, a Sunni Islamic movement founded by the notable scholar Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Qadri to counter the growing influence of Wahabism. His shrine, located at the Bareilly Sharif Dargah, attracts millions of visitors each year during the Urs-e-Razavi festival. The city is also known as Nath Nagri due to its several ancient Shiva temples, and more recently, it has earned the nickname “Jumka City” for its famous jewelry.
Economically, Bareilly is a significant center for furniture manufacturing and trade in cotton, cereals, and sugar. The city’s strategic location and robust infrastructure support its diverse economy. Bareilly is one of the 100 Smart Cities being developed in India and is also one of the nine counter magnet cities of the National Capital Region (NCR).
Transportation in Bareilly is well-developed, with the Bareilly Airport offering direct flights to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The Bareilly Junction railway station is among the Top 100 booking stations of Indian Railways, while Izzatnagar serves as the divisional headquarters of one of the three divisions of North Eastern Railways. These facilities ensure seamless connectivity and support the city’s economic activities.
Bareilly’s human resources are characterized by a mix of traditional skills and modern education. The city has numerous educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and technical institutes that provide quality education and contribute to the local workforce. The presence of these institutions fosters a culture of learning and innovation, essential for the city’s ongoing development.
In conclusion, Bareilly is a city that beautifully blends its rich historical heritage with modern growth and development. Its strategic location, diverse economy, and vibrant cultural scene make it a significant urban center in northern India. As Bareilly continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the resilience and dynamism of its people, offering a unique blend of tradition and progress that captivates residents and visitors alike.
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