09/03/2009       12:31:25 PM

             Saharanpur is situated between the Ganges and the Yamuna, the holy rivers of India. One of the major district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, the history of Saharanpur dates back from 2000 B.C. It was part of the Indus Valley civilization later to be ruled by the Aryan Kings. The Mughals took over in the 1300’s and it became the administrative hub and summer resort of the Mughal Empire. In the year 1803 the British took over from the Mughals later to be ousted after the Mutiny of 1857.

Saharanpur, now, has become the primary road and railway junction of Uttar Pradesh. Apart from being the major agricultural market, it also features in the world map as one of the foremost manufacturer of wood products and handicrafts.

             Saharanpur is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh with a rich heritage and culture. Founded by Shah Ranveer Singh the city got its name after the Sufi saint Shah Harun Chisti. The Mughal emperor Akbar established his administration in the city of Saharanpur. The city is between the Ganges and Yamuna river with the Shivalik Hills to the north giving this city a majestic look. The population of Saharanpur is a mix of Hindu and Muslim and Christian communities who have their antecedents in the various Hindu, Muslim and the English rulers who ruled the city.
             The city has a culture and cuisine which has been adopted from the various dynasties that ruled over the city all along its history. The cuisine of Saharanpur is a mix of Mughlai and Indian (vegetarian). The Mughal dynasty under ‘Akbar the Great till Aurangzeb has left a lasting impression on the cuisine and culture of the city. The city also inherits its cuisine to the Indian rulers who ruled Saharanpur. Some of the Hindu dynasties who ruled Saharanpur were the Ayuddha Dynasty and the Gurjar Pratihar dynasty. These dynasties under Hindu kings have also left their mark on the cuisine of Saharanpur which is predominantly vegetarian and consists of milk products, vegetables and fruits. Saharanpur is famous for its sugar and mangoes. Over 500 varieties of mangoes are grown here and exported globally.

The culture of Saharanpur is also very rich. History has it, that when Muslim rulers invaded Saharanpur and defeated the Hindu kings, the women of Saharanpur preferred honor killing or honor suicide to protect them from falling in the hands of the Muslim invaders. The British under the East India Company ruled the city from 1804 to the time of India’s Independence. The churches in the city bear a testimony to the influence of British culture on the city. Another very important part of Saharanpur’s culture is the botanical gardens of Saharanpur which date back to 1750. The original name of the gardens was Farahat-Baksh and it was used as a leisure ground. The British rule changed the garden into a leisure ground and it became a collection of many varieties of plants including medicinal and decorative.
             What make’s the city more famous are the wooden handicrafts which are a testimony to the rich culture and heritage that the city possesses. The handicrafts also carry the designs and intricacies of its rich heritage which were so prevalent during the Mughal rule. The wooden handicrafts that we find in Saharanpur include furniture, decorative items and wooden items. These items are exported all over the world.

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