Saharanpur is situated between the Ganges and the Yamuna, the holy rivers of India. One of the major district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, the history of Saharanpur dates back from 2000 B.C. It was part of the Indus Valley civilization later to be ruled by the Aryan Kings. The Mughals took over in the 1300’s and it became the administrative hub and summer resort of the Mughal Empire. In the year 1803 the British took over from the Mughals later to be ousted after the Mutiny of 1857.

Saharanpur, now, has become the primary road and railway junction of Uttar Pradesh. Apart from being the major agricultural market, it also features in the world map as one of the foremost manufacturer of wood products and handicrafts.

Saharanpur is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh with a rich heritage and culture. Founded by Shah Ranveer Singh the city got its name after the Sufi saint Shah Harun Chisti. The Mughal emperor Akbar established his administration in the city of Saharanpur. The city is between the Ganges and Yamuna river with the Shivalik Hills to the north giving this city a majestic look. The population of Saharanpur is a mix of Hindu and Muslim and Christian communities who have their antecedents in the various Hindu, Muslim and the English rulers who ruled the city.

The city has a culture and cuisine which has been adopted from the various dynasties that ruled over the city all along its history. The cuisine of Saharanpur is a mix of Mughlai and Indian (vegetarian). The Mughal dynasty under ‘Akbar the Great till Aurangzeb has left a lasting impression on the cuisine and culture of the city. The city also inherits its cuisine to the Indian rulers who ruled Saharanpur. Some of the Hindu dynasties who ruled Saharanpur were the Ayuddha Dynasty and the Gurjar Pratihar dynasty. These dynasties under Hindu kings have also left their mark on the cuisine of Saharanpur which is predominantly vegetarian and consists of milk products, vegetables and fruits. Saharanpur is famous for its sugar and mangoes. Over 500 varieties of mangoes are grown here and exported globally.

The culture of Saharanpur is also very rich. History has it, that when Muslim rulers invaded Saharanpur and defeated the Hindu kings, the women of Saharanpur preferred honor killing or honor suicide to protect them from falling in the hands of the Muslim invaders. The British under the East India Company ruled the city from 1804 to the time of India’s Independence. The churches in the city bear a testimony to the influence of British culture on the city. Another very important part of Saharanpur’s culture is the botanical gardens of Saharanpur which date back to 1750. The original name of the gardens was Farahat-Baksh and it was used as a leisure ground. The British rule changed the garden into a leisure ground and it became a collection of many varieties of plants including medicinal and decorative.

What make’s the city more famous are the wooden handicrafts which are a testimony to the rich culture and heritage that the city possesses. The handicrafts also carry the designs and intricacies of its rich heritage which were so prevalent during the Mughal rule. The wooden handicrafts that we find in Saharanpur include furniture, decorative items and wooden items. These items are exported all over the world.

Climat
Saharanpur has a tropical climate because of the proximity of the Himalayan region across this Northern district. It is sub humid region especially the upper Ganga plain areas. Saharanpur records an average temperature around 23.3 degree during the course of the year. June is the hottest recorded month while January is the coldest one. Humidity is more in the western area as compared to the eastern region of Saharanpur.

Mineral Resources
The region is very poor in mineral resources. Limestone stone boulders are the only main minerals. Limestone is found in the Shivalik hills. Stone, hard enough to be used for building purposes is scarce and is found in Shivaliks while stone for road metal is found in the beds of Solani, Hindon and Sukhrao streams. Excellent lime is also procured from the boulders covering the beds of the hilly torrents. The saline efflorescence which is known by the name of Rah is found in the low lying tracts and in the canal irrigated areas.

The physical features and the climatic conditions of this district have played an important role in shaping the history of Saharanpur district and making it an important part from the rest of the country.

Landuse
Saharanpur is primarily and agricultural district. Roughly 70% of the land is under agricultural use still the region is of little importance from the point of view of pastures. Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of the district. One significant feature is that even though the agricultural land for food crops has reduced in recent years the food production has increased considerably. The significance of commercial crops have increased manifold as a consequence of sugarcane production. The important food crops of the region are Wheat, Rice, Maize, Jawar, Bajara, sugarcane; oilseeds, cotton and jute are the main commercial crops.

Industries
Many agro based industries have been developing across the Saharanpur district off late. One can also find number of cottage industries here. saharanpur does not have enough mineral resources unlike other districts in Uttar Pradesh. However it has industrially backed itself with number of sugar and paper industries, cigarette industry and not to forget the ever famous wood carving industry. Wood work of Saharanpur district is world famous and is exported in many Western countries including USA, UK, Singapore, Sweden, and Kuwait.

Transportation
The development of transport system depends on the physical features and economic utility of the region. Transport system in the Bhabar region has not developed much due to Mountainous Rivers and uneven topography. In the Bangar region the roads and railway lines are developed due to favorable conditions like fertile land, high density of population and topography.