Rampur ( ; ISO: Rāmapura; formerly Mustafabad) is a city and the administrative headquarters of Rampur district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was formerly known for industries such as sugar refining and cotton milling. The Raza Library houses more than 12,000 rare manuscripts along with a notable collection of Mughal miniature paintings. Rampur is located about 322 kilometres north-west of the state capital Lucknow and approximately 180 kilometres from the national capital New Delhi.
In 2007, the Ministry of Minority Affairs identified Rampur district as one of the 14 'Minority Concentration Districts' in Uttar Pradesh, on the basis of the 2001 Census data relating to population, socio-economic indicators, and basic amenities. The city is also known for the Rampuri knife (chaaku), commonly known as the Rampuri.
Etymology
The area originally comprised four villages known as Kather, associated with Raja Ram Singh. In the 18th century, Nawab Faizullah Khan of the Rohilla dynasty proposed renaming the settlement to Faizabad. However, since several other places were already known by that name, it was instead named Mustafabad, later also referred to as Rampur.
History
According to medieval history, Rampur was part of the Delhi region and was divided between Badaun and Sambhal districts. Being situated in the upper part of Rohilkhand, it was known as Kather and was ruled by the Katheria Rajputs. The Katheria Rajputs resisted external powers for about 400 years, fighting the Sultans of Delhi and later the Mughals. They engaged in repeated battles with Nasiruddin Mahmud in 1253, Ghiyas ud din Balban in 1256, Jalal-ud-din Khalji in 1290, Firuz Shah Tughlaq in 1379, and Sikandar Lodi in 1494.
During the early Mughal period, the capital of Rohilkhand shifted from Badaun to Bareilly, which increased Rampur's importance.
The Rohilla state of Rampur was established by Nawab Faizullah Khan on 7 October 1774 in the presence of British commander Colonel Champion. It remained a princely state under British protection thereafter. The district has extensive agricultural land. During the monsoon, after prolonged rainfall, the mountain ranges of Nainital are visible towards the north.
Climate
In summer, temperatures generally range between 30°C and 43°C, while in winter they range between 3°C and 25°C.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Rampur had a population of 325,248, compared to 281,549 in 2001, reflecting a growth of 16% during 2001–2011. Males constituted 52.2% and females 47.8% of the population. The sex ratio was 915 females per 1,000 males, lower than the national average of 940. The average literacy rate was 53.7%, below the national average of 64.3%; male literacy stood at 56% and female literacy at 51%. Children under six years of age numbered 37,945, accounting for 11.7% of the population (compared to 14% in 2001).
Rampur has a Muslim majority population. The surrounding region also has a significant Rohilla community.