History of Muradabad.
The Muradabad region was an important part of various dynasties, such as Panchala, Nanda, Gupta, Maurya, Mughal and Maukharis.
Moradabad was originally called Chaupala. Chaupal means, a community centre/building place. This was a community centre of all adjoining villages, of this region. Subsequently a city got developed, and was named Chaupala. Chaupala, an ancient community center, holds a significant place in the history of communal gatherings and social interactions in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. The term “Chaupala” is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Chau” meaning four and “Pala” meaning post or corner. This concept reflects its fundamental design – a square or quadrangular open space typically located at the center of a village or town.
This community center played an important role in fostering sense of nationalism & supporting development of battle ground skills, and enhancing the quality of life within the Katehria Rajputs. Chaupala city was a stronghold of the Katehria Rajputs, who had built a mud-brick fort overlooking the Ganges.
Chaupala town served many purposes,
like socializing, build relationships, cultural activities, holding Rajput community functions, education and Learning. The chaupala city was used to promote well-being, of deprived class of society and also contributed to economic activities within the community.
Chaupala city was there the focal point of social life, where villagers would gather regularly and the.city served as platforms for various social, cultural, and religious activities.
The city played a crucial role in strengthening the bonds within the community and provided a space for individuals to interact, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging.
Under the Mughal Empire, Chaupala was the seat of a pargana. It is mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari as being part of the government of Sambhal. It produced a revenue of 1,340,812 dams for the imperial treasury and it provided a force of 500 infantry and 100 cavalry to the Mughal army. During Akbar’s reign, it was established as an office of the Chaupala pargana. In 1624, Rustam Khan, the Governor of Sambhal, captured the region and it was named as Rustam Nagar. In the early 1700s, it became a province of Rohilkhand State. The city was re-named Moradabad after Morad, the son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
The modern city of Moradabad was founded by Rustam Khan Dakhani, Mughal governor of Sambhal, during the reign of Shah Jahan. In 1624, Raja Ramsukh, leader of the Katehrias, had rebelled and invaded the Tarai region. The raja of Kumaon had complained to Shah Jahan, who then sent Rustam Khan to deal with the disturbance. Rustam Khan captured Chaupala and put Ramsukh to death, but also refounded the city as Rustamnagar (named after himself), building a new fort and great mosque and making the place his new capital. The ruins of which were still visible as of the early 20th century in the form of a wall along the riverfront. The mosque is also extant, with an inscription dated to 1632. The name “Rustamnagar” was short-lived, however. Shah Jahan soon called Rustam Khan to his court and demanded an explanation for why he had exceeded his orders. In an attempt to placate the emperor, Rustam Khan said that he had named it Muradabad in honor of the young prince, Murad Bakhsh. The emperor was satisfied and permitted Rustam Khan to remain in charge of the new city. Which now came to replace Sambhal as the Mughal governors’ capital, and the name Muradabad has been in use ever since.