Hin: अलीगढ़ aligarh
‘Ali’s Fort’ [Kol, Koil, Allygurh] – City/District, Uttar Pradesh.
Per: ali, ‘exalted, noble’; Hin: garh, ‘fort, stronghold’
Aligarh, historically known as Kol or Koil, has been a significant settlement for centuries. The name Aligarh was given in the late 18th century when the fort was renamed in honor of Najaf Ali Khan, a noble in the service of the Mughal Empire. The city’s earlier name, Kol, has uncertain origins but is attested in medieval sources.
The city played a key role in 18th-century power struggles, including conflicts between the Mughals, Jats, Rohillas, and the British. The Siege of Aligarh (1803) marked a decisive victory for the British East India Company over the Marathas, securing British control over the region.
Aligarh is best known today as the home of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), founded in 1875 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College. The institution played a crucial role in modernizing education among Indian Muslims and continues to be one of India’s leading universities.
The city is also a major industrial hub, famous for its lock-making industry which dates back to the Mughal period and now has a coveted GI Geographical Indication tag. Aligarh locks are exported worldwide, and the city is one of India’s leading centers for hardware and metalworking.
Other important industries include brassware, sculpture casting, and agricultural product processing. The city also has a strong presence in handicrafts and glasswork, contributing to its economic significance in Uttar Pradesh.
For related place names see Indian Place names and Uttar Pradesh place names.