Why is a major Indian industrial hub known globally as the Brass City?
In short: Moradabad, an ancient settlement on the Ramganga river, has evolved from a Mughal-era military outpost into a global manufacturing powerhouse. Known as Pital Nagri, or Brass City, its artisans have exported metalwork for centuries. Today, this city of over a million people balances its industrial heritage with modern urban development.
Founded in 1624 by the Mughal governor Rustam Khan, the city was originally named Rustamnagar. However, after the emperor Shah Jahan questioned the governor's authority, the city was renamed Moradabad to honour the emperor's youngest son, Prince Murad Bakhsh. This strategic renaming secured the city's status as the capital of the Katehar region, replacing the older center of Sambhal.
The city's history is marked by turbulent shifts in power. It transitioned from the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughal Empire, later falling under the Kingdom of Rohilkhand and the Oudh State before being ceded to the British East India Company in 1801. These centuries of upheaval—including the 1857 rebellion and the Quit India Movement—shaped the resilient character of its inhabitants, who have long been central to the region's political and economic life.
Economically, Moradabad is defined by its metalworking industry. While brass remains its signature export, the city has diversified into steel, iron, and aluminium production. This industrial base supports a population that reached nearly 888,000 by the 2011 census, with estimates suggesting it will exceed 1.29 million by 2025. Despite its growth, the city remains deeply connected to its past, preserving ancient trees and maintaining a cultural identity that blends Hindi and Urdu traditions.
Modern Moradabad is a city of contrasts, designated as one of India's 100 smart cities. It faces significant challenges, including its location in a high-risk seismic zone and a history of communal tension, most notably the 1980 riots. Yet, its role as a hub for education, administration, and global trade continues to drive its development, ensuring that the Brass City remains a vital node in the economy of Uttar Pradesh.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Moradabad
- Also: Wikidata — Moradabad · CC0
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