Aligarh City, the headquarters of
Aligarh District, is situated in west-central
Uttar Pradesh, to the south-east of
Delhi. It is located on the plains between the Rivers
Ganges and
Yamuna . The famous
Grand Trunk Road traverses through the city.
Aligarh is a major agricultural trade center of the state. Flour milling, the processing of raw cotton, and the manufacture of butter and glass are the principal industries in the city. Locks made in the city are famed for their reliability. Lock making is still a principal cottage industry in the town.
Named after a fort, the city of Aligarh hides an eventful history behind its modern looks. The city, known earlier as Koil, has a checkered past. It was under the rule of the
Mughals till the 17th century. After the death of
Aurangzeb, it came under the rule of Afghans, Jats, Marathas, Rohillas and finally the British in 1803.
The city is famous as the seat of the
Aligarh Muslim University. An 18th century mosque housed in the ancient Dor fortress (1524) is a major point of attraction. The church at Naqvi Park is worth a visit.
Aligarh is a major rail road junction. Nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi.
