Hin: मुरादाबाद murādābād
‘City of Murad’ – City/District, Uttar Pradesh.
From Murad and Per: ābād, meaning ‘settlement’, ‘city’.
Moradabad was founded in 1625 by Rustam Khan, a Mughal governor under Emperor Shah Jahan. He named it after Prince Murad Bakhsh, Shah Jahan’s youngest son. Built as a fortified city, Moradabad quickly grew into an important administrative and trade center.
During the Mughal period, Moradabad became known for its metalwork, particularly brassware, a legacy that continues today. The city’s artisans gained renown for their fine craftsmanship, supplying decorative brass items to both local markets and overseas traders.
Under British rule, Moradabad expanded as a key commercial centre, with railways and infrastructure supporting its growth.
Today, Moradabad is internationally recognized as India’s Brass City’ with an export industry in brass and metal handicrafts. The industry, however, is facing serious problems and, unless things change, a bleak future [Article: In India’s ‘Brass City’, an Overwhelmingly Muslim Workforce Stares at a Looming Crisis].
It is also a major economic center in western Uttar Pradesh, blending its Mughal-era heritage with modern industrial development.
For related place names see Indian Place names and Uttar Pradesh place names.
