Moradabad
Brass City and historic Mughal-founded industrial hub in Uttar Pradesh.
Moradabad is an industrial city, police commissionerate, and municipal corporation in Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Known as the 'Brass City' (Pital Nagri) for its brass handicrafts exported worldwide, it has also emerged as a hub for working with other metals like aluminium, steel, and iron. The city was founded by Rustam Khan, governor of Katehar under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and named after prince Murad Bakhsh.
- Founder
- Rustam Khan Dakhani
- Named after
- Prince Murad Bakhsh
- State
- Uttar Pradesh, India
- Known for
- Brass handicrafts (Pital Nagri), metalworking hub
- Railway division
- Headquarter of Moradabad division of Northern Railway
Lore & Background
Moradabad was originally part of the Katehr region, a stronghold of the Katheria Rajputs. Under the Mughal Empire, the settlement was known as Chaupala. To appease Emperor Shah Jahan, he renamed it Muradabad after the prince Murad Bakhsh.
Reader's Guide
Moradabad's significance lies in its transformation from a Mughal administrative capital to a major industrial center. Its brass handicrafts, exported globally, earned it the nickname 'Brass City,' and it has expanded into other metalworking.
Did You Know?
- Moradabad is sometimes called Pital Nagri ('Brass City') for its brass handicrafts.
- The city was originally named Rustamnagar by its founder Rustam Khan, then renamed Muradabad to honor prince Murad Bakhsh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Moradabad?
Moradabad is a municipal corporation and police commissionerate in Uttar Pradesh, India, serving as the administrative seat of its own district. It also anchors the Moradabad division of Northern Railway, giving it a central logistical role in the region.
What are Moradabad's signature abilities?
The city is globally recognized for handcrafted brass goods, which earned it the nickname Pital Nagri, or Brass City. It has since broadened its metalworking output to include aluminium, steel, and iron products as well.
Who created Moradabad and why?
Rustam Khan Dakhani, the Mughal-era governor of Katehar serving under Shah Jahan, established the settlement. The city took its name from the Mughal prince Murad Bakhsh, linking its identity to imperial history.
How does Moradabad connect to the wider world?
Its brass and metal handicrafts are exported to markets across the globe, making it a notable node in international trade. Domestically, the city's role as a Northern Railway division headquarters ties it into major rail corridors.
Why is Moradabad important?
It represents a rare blend of Mughal-era founding heritage with a living, multi-metal manufacturing tradition that has persisted for centuries. As both an industrial powerhouse and an administrative center, it occupies a unique niche among Indian cities.
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