History and Geography

Historical Background

The Saharanpur region has a long and continuous history of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological discoveries from sites such as Ambakheri, Bargaon, Hulas, Bhadarabad, and Naseerpur indicate the presence of Harappan and pre-Harappan cultures, linking the area to the wider Indus Valley Civilisation network. These findings suggest that Saharanpur formed part of an early agrarian and trade-linked cultural zone as early as the third millennium BCE.

During the early historic and Vedic periods, the region remained inhabited, though detailed records of local polities are limited due to insufficient archaeological exploration. Over time, Saharanpur became part of successive North Indian political systems.

Under the Delhi Sultanate, Saharanpur emerged as an administratively significant area. In the early 14th century, Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq visited the region during his campaigns in the northern Doab and Shivalik foothills. According to historical tradition, he encountered the revered Sufi saint Shah Harun Chishti, who lived near the Paondhoi River. In his honour, the settlement came to be known as Shah-Harunpur, a name that gradually evolved into Saharanpur.

The Mughal period, particularly during the reign of Emperor Akbar, marked a major phase of organised administration and urban development. Saharanpur was declared a Sarkar under the Delhi Subah, and a formal revenue and civil administration was established. The jagir of Saharanpur was granted to Raja Sah Ranveer Singh, who is traditionally regarded as the founder of the modern city. At that time, Saharanpur was a small military and administrative settlement surrounded by dense forests, marshy tracts, and seasonal streams.

The early city was developed as a walled settlement, with prominent localities such as Nakhasa, Rani Bazar, Shah Bahlol, and Lakhi Gate, and four principal gates:

• Sarai Gate

• Mali Gate

• Buria Gate

• Lakhi Gate

Remnants of the original fortification can still be traced in parts of the Chaudharian locality, reflecting the city’s early urban structure.

In 1803, Saharanpur came under British rule. The district played a notable role during the Revolt of 1857, witnessing active participation by local leaders and religious scholars. In the post-revolt period, Saharanpur gained national prominence with the establishment of Darul Uloom Deoband in 1867, founded by Maulana Qasim Nanautavi and Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. The institution became a significant centre of Islamic learning and contributed to the intellectual and nationalist movements of colonial India.

Geography & Physical Features

Saharanpur is located in the northernmost part of the Ganga–Yamuna Doab, at the foothills of the Shivalik range. The district occupies a strategically important position, forming a transition zone between the Himalayan foothills and the Upper Gangetic Plains.

Boundaries

• North: Dehradun District (Uttarakhand)

• East: Haridwar District (Uttarakhand)

• West: Yamuna River (boundary with Haryana)

• South: Muzaffarnagar District (Uttar Pradesh)

Latitudinal & Longitudinal Extent

• Latitude: 29°34′45″ N to 30°21′30″ N

• Longitude: 77°09′00″ E to 78°14′45″ E

The district covers an area of approximately 3,860 square kilometres and became a separate administrative division in 1997.

Physiographic Regions

The physical landscape of Saharanpur is distinct from much of western Uttar Pradesh and can be broadly divided into four natural regions:

1. Shivalik Hill Tract – The northernmost belt, characterised by low hills, forests, and seasonal streams.

2. Bhabar Region – A porous belt at the foothills, composed of coarse sediments where rivers often disappear underground.

3. Bangar Region – The elevated alluvial plain, forming the main habitable and cultivated area.

4. Khadar Region – The low-lying floodplain along rivers, especially the Yamuna, consisting of fertile alluvial soil.

Rivers & Drainage

The Yamuna River is the principal river of the district, forming its western boundary. Several seasonal and perennial tributaries, including the Solani, Hindon, Ratmau, Nagdev, Paondhoi, and Dhamola, traverse the district and play a vital role in drainage, soil formation, and groundwater recharge.

Climate

Saharanpur experiences a sub-humid tropical climate, influenced by its proximity to the Himalayan foothills. Summers extend from March to June, winters from October to February, with January being the coldest month. The district receives most of its rainfall during the south-west monsoon, and humidity levels are generally higher in the western and northern parts.