Revision as of 19:48, 7 January 2025

1908 British account

Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.

Sambhal Town

Head-quarters of the tahsil of the same name in Moradabad District, United Provinces, situated in 28 35' N. and 78 34' E., 23 miles south-west of Moradabad city by a metalled road. Population (1901), 39,715. The town is believed by the Hindus to have existed in the three epochs (yuga) preceding the present or Kali Yuga, at the end of which the tenth incarnation of Vishnu will appear in Sambhal. Many ancient mounds exist in the neighbourhood, but have not been explored. Tradition relates that Prithwi Raj of Delhi finally defeated Jai Chand of Kanauj close to Sambhal, and an earlier battle is said to have taken place between the Raja of Delhi and Saiyid Salar. Kutb-ud-dm Aibak reduced the neighbourhood for a time ; but the turbulent Katehriyas repeatedly engaged the attention of the early Muhammadan kings, who posted a governor here. In 1346 the governor revolted, but was speedily crushed. Firoz Shah III appointed an Afghan to Sambhal in 1380, with orders to invade Katehr every year and ravage the whole country till Khargu, the Hindu chief, who had murdered some Saiyids, was given up. In the fifteenth century Sambhal was the subject of contest between the sovereigns of Delhi and the kings of Jaunpur, and on the fall of the latter Sikandar Lodi held his court here for some years. Babar appointed his son, Humayun, to be governor of the place, and is said to have visited it himself. Under Akbar Sambhal was the head-quarters of a sarkdr^ but in the reign of Shah Jahan its importance began to wane and Moradabad took its place. In the eighteenth century Sambhal was chiefly celebrated as the birthplace of the Pindari, Amir Khan, who raided Rohilkhand in 1805 and afterwards founded the State of TONK.

The town site is scattered over a considerable area, and contains a mound marking the ruins of the old fort. No building stands on this except a mosque, claimed by the Hindus as a Vaishnava temple, but in reality a specimen of early Pathan architecture in which Hindu materials were probably used. The mosque contains an inscription recording that it was raised by Babar; but doubts have been cast on the authenticity of this. There are many Hindu temples and sacred spots in the neighbourhood. The town contains a tahsili^ a munsifi) a dispensary, and a branch of the American Methodist Mission. It has been a municipality since 1871. During the ten years ending 1901 the income and expenditure averaged Rs. 21,000. In 1903-4 the income was Rs. 30,000, chiefly from octroi (Rs. 23,000); and the expenditure was Rs. 29,000. Refined sugar is the chief article of manufacture and of trade, but other places nearer the railway have drawn away part of its former commerce. Wheat and other grain and ghi are also exported, and there is some trade in hides. Combs of buffalo horn are manufactured. The tahsill school has 142 pupils, and the municipality manages two schools and aids seven others with 349 pupils.

Shiva temple

Rediscovered in 2024

Dec 15, 2024: The Times of India

Bareilly : An “ancient” Shiva temple was discovered in a locked house, abandoned by its Hindu occupants after the 1978 riots, in Shahi Jama Masjid area of Mahmood Khan Sarai, Sambhal district, during an anti-encroachment drive on Saturday. The house had allegedly been encroached upon for decades, and officials have now launched an investigation into its ownership, reports Kanwardeep Singh.


The temple was discovered during a large-scale campaign against encroachment and electricity theft. Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, patron of Nagar Hindu Sabha, alerted officials about its presence. Right-wing activists visited the site and offered prayers after the discovery. ASP Shrish Chandra said, “The temple is being cleaned, and the ramp over the well has been removed. The ASI has been asked to conduct carbon dating to determine the temple’s antiquity. Investigations found that some people had occupied the temple and built houses over it. Hindu families who lived here left for some reason, and the house remained closed since then. The temple contains statues of Lord Shiva and Hanuman. It will be handed over to its rightful owners, and action will be taken against the encroachers.”


Sambhal DM Rajender Pensiyasaid, “An investigation is underway regarding ownership of the house.”