MANDI

city, central Himachal Pradesh state, northwestern India. The city lies along the Beas River north-northwest of Simla (Shimla), the state capital. It is a trade centre for agricultural produce and timber; handloom weaving and handicrafts are the principal industries. Mandi also conducts a frontier trade with Tibet (China). It is connected by roads with Simla and with towns to the north and west. The surrounding area is a mountainous tract drained by the Beas and Sutlej rivers. Their fertile valleys yield grains, rice, corn (maize), and other crops. Large quantities of rock salt are mined. Pop. (1981) city, 18,706; (1991 prelim.) 23,208.