GHAZIABAD

formerly Ghaziuddinnagar, town, administrative headquarters of Ghaziabad district, Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. Founded in 1740, it is located on the Grand Trunk Road 12 mi (19 km) east of New Delhi. Modern Ghaziabad is a rapidly developing industrial town. Many workers commute daily to New Delhi, where goods produced in Ghaziabad are also marketed. Manufacturing and processing industries include vegetable oil, electroplating, tapestries, diesel engines, bicycles, railway coaches, heavy chains, brass brackets, lanterns, glassware, pottery, paint and varnish, and typewriter ribbons. The temples of Dudheswar Nath and Devi Durga and many scattered Muslim ruins are in the town. There are three degree-granting colleges, affiliated with Meerut University. There are road and railway connections to the important towns in northern India. Ghaziabad district (1,000 sq mi [2,600 sq km]), located in the northern part of the state, was established in 1976 and comprises the part of the Upper Ganges Plain that is known historically as the land east of the Sapta Sindhu (Seven Rivers). The region consists of a flat plain traversed by perennial streams. Agriculture dominates the economy; crops include cereals, pulse (legumes), sugarcane, and oilseeds. Industries produce sugar, alcohol, vegetable oil, textiles, paper, agricultural implements, fans, radiators, electrical goods, chemicals, and iron and steel utensils. Rice, dal (pigeon pea), and vegetable-oil milling; handloom weaving; and silk weaving are the cottage industries. Pop. (1981) town, 271,730; metropolitan area, 287,170; district, 1,843,130.