Aligarh

Aligarh is an important city in Uttar Pradesh, located near Delhi and known as a major educational and industrial hub. It is famous for the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University, which has played a key role in higher education and intellectual development in India. The city is also called the “City of Locks” due to its well-known lock manufacturing industry that supplies products across the country and abroad. Along with this, Aligarh has industries related to hardware, engineering goods, and brass work. Historically, it developed significantly during British rule, especially after the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University, and today it continues to grow as an important center of education, trade, and industry in western Uttar Pradesh.

## Population The wider Aligarh District had a population of about 3.7 million (37 lakh) as per the 2011 Census.

## Area Aligarh has an area of about 40–41 km² for the city (urban limits), while the larger Aligarh District covers around 3,788 km² in total.

## Tehsils Aligarh District has 5 tehsils: Koil Tehsil, Atrauli Tehsil, Iglas Tehsil, Khair Tehsil, and Gabhana Tehsil.

## Major Cities & Towns Major cities and towns in Aligarh District include Aligarh, Atrauli, Khair, Iglas, Tappal, and Gabhana.

## Languages The main language spoken in Aligarh and Aligarh District is Hindi, which is the official and most widely used language. A local dialect called Braj Bhasha is also commonly spoken in rural and semi-urban areas. Urdu is used by a significant minority, especially in cultural and educational contexts, while English is commonly used in schools, colleges, and official communication.

## Education Education in Aligarh is well developed and centered around the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University, which offers a wide range of courses in arts, science, engineering, medicine, law, and management and attracts students from across India and abroad. The city also has many colleges affiliated with the university as well as other institutions providing technical, professional, and vocational education. Along with higher education, Aligarh has a strong network of schools following CBSE, ICSE, and Uttar Pradesh state board curricula in both Hindi and English medium. Overall, the city has grown into an important educational hub in Uttar Pradesh, producing professionals in various fields such as engineering, medicine, administration, and academics.

## Tourism Tourism in Aligarh is mainly based on its educational and cultural heritage, with the most important attraction being Aligarh Muslim University, whose campus includes historic buildings like Strachey Hall, Jama Masjid, and a museum that draw visitors interested in history and architecture. The city also has historical sites such as Aligarh Fort along with various temples, mosques, and shrines that reflect its cultural diversity. Local markets are well known for traditional products like the famous Aligarh locks and hardware goods that are sold across India. Although not a major international tourist destination, Aligarh attracts students, researchers, and domestic visitors, making it an important educational and cultural center in Uttar Pradesh.

## Famous Food Food in Aligarh reflects rich North Indian and Mughlai influences, with popular dishes such as kebabs, biryani, nihari, and korma widely available in local eateries. Street food is also very popular, including samosas, kachori, chaat, and golgappa, which are commonly enjoyed by locals and students. The city is also known for its sweets like jalebi, rabri, and peda, which are part of traditional celebrations and daily life. Overall, the food culture in Aligarh is a mix of traditional flavors and affordable street-style cuisine, strongly influenced by its cultural diversity and large student population.