Hin: बरेली barelī
‘Barelal’s Settlement’ [Bans-Bareilly] – City/District, Uttar Pradesh.
Barelal, a local chieftain; Hin: -ī suffix denoting place or settlement.
Bareilly was traditionally known as Bans-Bareilly. It is said to be have been founded in the early 16th century by Jagat Singh Katehriya and named after his two sons, Bansal Dev and Barel Dev. The former name was dropped over time.
During the Mughal period, Bareilly emerged as a key administrative and military center under the Rohilla Pathans, who made it their capital in the 18th century. It became a major stronghold of the Rohilla Confederacy until its annexation by the British in 1774. The city played a notable role in the 1857 Revolt, witnessing intense resistance against British forces.
Modern Bareilly is an important commercial and industrial hub, particularly known for its bamboo and cane furniture, textile industries, and zari embroidery.
It is also famous for Surma (kohl) production and is a significant trade center for agricultural products like sugar, wheat, and pulses.
Culturally, Bareilly is referenced in folk songs and popular culture, most famously in the Bollywood song Jhumka Gira Re, Bareilly Ke Bazaar Mein, ‘The earring dropped in Bareilly Market’, highlighting its historical reputation as a bustling market town.
For related place names see Indian Place names and Uttar Pradesh place names.
