SAMBHAL

town, northwestern Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It lies southwest of Moradabad town. Sambhal is an ancient settlement that was also important during the period of Muslim rule and was one of Sikandar Lodi's provincial capitals in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Situated at a rail terminus, it is a trade centre for agricultural produce. Its industries include sugar refining, handloom weaving, and calico printing. The town is the scene of annual Muslim and Hindu fairs. It contains a fort and other monuments. Pop. (1981) 108,232; (1991) 150,869.