Faridnagar

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Faridnagar | type = city | latd = 28.77 | longd = 77.62
locator_position = right | state_name = Uttar Pradesh
district = Ghaziabad

altitude = 212
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 11,271| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
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Faridnagar is a town and a nagar panchayat in Ghaziabad district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Geography

Faridnagar is located at coord|28.77|N|77.62|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/36/Faridnagar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Faridnagar] ] . It has an average elevation of 212 metres (695 feet). It was founded in great mogul emperor Akbar time by Nabab Farid-ud-din. He was awarded the "Zagir" of seventeen villages between Pilkhua and Begmabad by emperor Akbar the great. The town used to be garrison for small mogul army and housed the Taksal-a place to mint the mogul coins during reigns of Akbar and Jahangir. The highest point of the town is known as "Garhi Billochan" and is guarded by huge iron gates. Next to it is Jama Masjid, a beautiful mosque. Since its inception Faridnagar grew and became prosperous. the major source of revenue were farming, gardening and trade. Important industries were cotton weaving and Khandsari-the gud making, oil extraction and pottery making.

The decline of town started in early 1900s when British built railways and paved roads. All the highways and railways bypassed this town by couple of miles only. Modinagar became major industrial and educational center. Other towns developed at the cost of Faridnagar. Today Faridnagar is a ghost of its past glory. Lately the town is witnessing the resurgence. A new upgraded government hospital and police chowki were built. An intermediate college came to exist. Plans are to start a post graduate college. Few years ago a paved road was build which connects Faridnagar to Pilkhuwa a town much larger than Faridnagar. Faridnagar is easily accessible from all nearby places like Hapur, Ghaziabad, Meerut and Delhi.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Faridnagar had a population of 11,271. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Faridnagar has an average literacy rate of 43%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 53%, and female literacy is 32%. In Faridnagar, 19% of the population is under 6 years of age. The population is mixed almost equally divided between Hindus and muslims. The Hindu population live on Pilkhua side while muslims live on Hapur side. A vertical divide. Before 1947 Garhi Billochan was exclusively muslim.A high percentage of muslims went to Pakistan after partition of the country in 1947.

Once upon a time it was known for its cotton weaving industry and farming tools making. It was also important grain mandi and trading center and famous for its fruits and sweets particularly KALAKAND. The other kind of sweets and namkeens are mouthwatering too. Faridnagar is home to huge mosques and Hindu temples. It was a teachers training center which was converted to primary and middle school. The past chairmen ot Town Area Committie have been Sri Fida-Ur-Rahman, Sri Kanti Sharan, Sri Harcharan Das ji. Lack of higher education and local employment is forcing the people to flee the town and move to nearby cities. Most famous Family of Farid nagar is late Mr. Fida ur Rehman Khan's Family. As He was the exchairman of Faridnagar and now his elder son Mr. Farid Khan ex chairman is staying in Farid Nagar and Younger Son Mr. Javed Ahmad Khan is residing in Capital New Delhi for his children education.

I wish you the sons of the late Mr. Fida Ur Rehman could have established the center of higher education at Faridnagar it self rather than moving to New Delhi. The fact is all these so called influential people failed the town. Sri Giri Raj did more. At least he established high school.It is time you leave Faridnagar alone. Seth Paliwal family built temples and Dharamshalas and Seth Lajja Ram built temple. He also used to treat patients free of charge and who can forget Bundu Khan Ansari A legend himself. What is your contribution you the great khans What did you do for Faridnagar? Some other famous personalities were Late Seth Fakirchand and Seth Tularam. Alas their children also moved away. Now the dominant class is of KASAIS or butures Where do these butures got so much money? In sixties Faridnagar created kind of record for biggest and largest "BARAAT" procession involving more than ten thousands of people on the occasion of "Khekrawale" family wedding. Almost everyone from the town went.

The erratic supply of electricity played havoc in decline of this town. Up to sixties the supply was regular then the power cuts and black outs started.The result, handloomindustries suffered and closed. The ansari cummunity fled en mass to nearby cities. The khandsari industry also suffered. Later on the bus services to Meerut, Hapur and Delhi also stopped. Nobody ever protested. What happened to you great khans? the descendents of Nawab Farid-Ud-Din. Why the big people of Faridnagar did not do any thing? Recently town has water tank constructed and underground plumbing lines laid to supply piped water to every house. Modern toilets and sewage system will sure follow.

The town need jobs and education which are hard to come by.One industry can change the face but electricity is big question mark? I recently visited Faridnagar in February 2008 after thirty years. The town has totally changed. Mud houses have been replaced by brick houses. Inside the houses marble and granite floors and walls could be seen. Most of the water wells are defunct and covered. I noticed encroachment on the painth bazzar. The flag stand is no longer there. Much of the town is non recognizable.The library is virtually defunct. The town is more prosperous now than before. Thanks to the emigrant economy. I love Faridnagar. The town is true representative of Hindu Muslim unity and secularism.

References

3. District Gazettier of United Province of Agra and Oudh- 1904 by H.M.Elliot Pages 65,73.145 and 223 Dr.Kaushik