Sambhal

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Sambhal | type = city | latd = 28.58 | longd = 78.55
locator_position = right | state_name = Uttar Pradesh
district = Moradabad
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 193
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 182,930| population_density = 11433
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total = 16
area_telephone = 91 5923
postal_code = 244302
vehicle_code_range =UP21
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Sambhal is a city and a municipal board in Moradabad district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Sambhal had a population of 182,930. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Sambhal has a literacy rate of 35%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 40%, and female literacy is 29%. In Sambhal, 18% of the population is under 6 years of age. Sambhal is an ancient settlement that was also important during the period of Muslim rule and was one of Sikandar Lodi's provincial capitals in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. This ancient city was once the capital of Great Chauhan Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan and is where he was probably killed by Afghans in hot pursuit after his defeat at the Second Battle of Tarain. Also known humorously sometimes as "Makaan Toote Log Jhoote" but this has nothing to do with facts. But, the saying holds true to this day, aver some residents. In the 1991 census, Sambhal was found to have the lowest literacy rate in the whole of India. But the conditions have improved with the passage of time.

Sambhal is famous for its own kind of horn and bone craft items which is manufactured in Saraitareen 4km away from sambhal city (but included in sambhal) which are being exported. It is one of the biggest markets for Menthol Oil.One of the major attractions of Sambhal is the Chakki Ka Paat (Grain Grinder made of stone and used by hand) which is hanging on a height of around 15 metres. It is the story around the town that one professional jumper (Called 'nut') hanged this heavy piece of stone after jumping from the ground without using any other support then himself.

This town is known for Hakims( Greek/Unani Medicine practioners). Late Hakim Rais( Died 2008)was the most renowned. His lineage is now carried forward by his two sons,Hakim Zafar( eldest) and Hakim Nasar( third). One of the countries' most famous Unani Brand, Dardmand, is also manufactured from Sambhal. It is owned by Hakim Kausar Ahmed(the second son of Hakim Rais). Most of the medicines are exported to the Gulf and North and East Frontier countries adjoining to India. The CEO of this pharma unit is Mrs Yasmin Qureshi( Kausar Ahmed's wife).

It is a small town but everything is available in the town only. It is not mandatory that you have to go out of town for any purchasing. These days ATMs are also avaialble in the town itself.

There are several senior secondary schools, names are as follows : Faiz Girls Inter college,SBSJ Inter College,Arya Samaj Inter College,Manokamna High School,UmmaidRai Inter College,Bal Vidya Mandir,Azad Girls Inter College.

There are several Madarsae (ahle sunnat faizul uloom, ajmal uloom, jamia islamia, khalil ul uloom etc) as well as temples (Manokamna Mandir, Chaumanda Mata Mandir, Kalki Vishnu Mandir, NeemSaar, Suraj Kund etc)

It is also supposed that in Kalyug, Kalki Bhagvan will be born in town itself, as written in the book Sukh Sagar. Sambhal is an ancient settlement that was also important during the period of Muslim rule and was one of Sikandar Lodi's provincial capitals in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Sambhal has one of the Babri Mosques constructed by the first Mughal Emperor Babar. Situated at a rail terminus, it is a trade centre for agricultural produce.

References