HISAR

also spelled Hissar, city, northwestern Haryana state, northwestern India, on the Sirhind branch of the Western Yamuna Canal. Founded in 1356 by Emperor Firuz Shah Tughluq, it was later an important Mughal centre. Depopulated in the 18th century, it was occupied later in the century by the British adventurer George Thomas. Hisar was constituted a municipality in 1867. The city is surrounded by a wall with four gates and contains the remains of Firuz Shah's fort and palace and several ancient mosques, including the Jahaj, now a Jaina temple. Hisar is the major rail and road junction for the region, and its industries include cotton ginning and handloom weaving. Several colleges are affiliated with Kurukshetra University. Pop. (1991 prelim.) 172,873.