Revision as of 09:52, 20 November 2024

1908 British account

Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.

Sambhal Town

Head-quarters of the tahsil of the same name in Moradabad District, United Provinces, situated in 28 35' N. and 78 34' E., 23 miles south-west of Moradabad city by a metalled road. Population (1901), 39,715. The town is believed by the Hindus to have existed in the three epochs (yuga) preceding the present or Kali Yuga, at the end of which the tenth incarnation of Vishnu will appear in Sambhal. Many ancient mounds exist in the neighbourhood, but have not been explored. Tradition relates that Prithwi Raj of Delhi finally defeated Jai Chand of Kanauj close to Sambhal, and an earlier battle is said to have taken place between the Raja of Delhi and Saiyid Salar. Kutb-ud-dm Aibak reduced the neighbourhood for a time ; but the turbulent Katehriyas repeatedly engaged the attention of the early Muhammadan kings, who posted a governor here. In 1346 the governor revolted, but was speedily crushed. Firoz Shah III appointed an Afghan to Sambhal in 1380, with orders to invade Katehr every year and ravage the whole country till Khargu, the Hindu chief, who had murdered some Saiyids, was given up. In the fifteenth century Sambhal was the subject of contest between the sovereigns of Delhi and the kings of Jaunpur, and on the fall of the latter Sikandar Lodi held his court here for some years. Babar appointed his son, Humayun, to be governor of the place, and is said to have visited it himself. Under Akbar Sambhal was the head-quarters of a sarkdr^ but in the reign of Shah Jahan its importance began to wane and Moradabad took its place. In the eighteenth century Sambhal was chiefly celebrated as the birthplace of the Pindari, Amir Khan, who raided Rohilkhand in 1805 and afterwards founded the State of TONK.

The town site is scattered over a considerable area, and contains a mound marking the ruins of the old fort. No building stands on this except a mosque, claimed by the Hindus as a Vaishnava temple, but in reality a specimen of early Pathan architecture in which Hindu materials were probably used. The mosque contains an inscription recording that it was raised by Babar; but doubts have been cast on the authenticity of this. There are many Hindu temples and sacred spots in the neighbourhood. The town contains a tahsili^ a munsifi) a dispensary, and a branch of the American Methodist Mission. It has been a municipality since 1871. During the ten years ending 1901 the income and expenditure averaged Rs. 21,000. In 1903-4 the income was Rs. 30,000, chiefly from octroi (Rs. 23,000); and the expenditure was Rs. 29,000. Refined sugar is the chief article of manufacture and of trade, but other places nearer the railway have drawn away part of its former commerce. Wheat and other grain and ghi are also exported, and there is some trade in hides. Combs of buffalo horn are manufactured. The tahsill school has 142 pupils, and the municipality manages two schools and aids seven others with 349 pupils.