SIRSA

town, extreme western Haryana state, northwestern India, on the edge of the Great Indian (Thar) Desert. Sirsa town and fort, known in antiquity as Sarsuti, are said to have been built by a Raja Saras (c. AD 250). It was one of the most important 14th-century towns of North India. Deserted after the famine of 1783, it was refounded in 1838 and incorporated as a municipality in 1867. It is a rail and road junction linking the locality with Rajasthan, and its industries include handloom weaving and various manufactures. Sirsa has several colleges affiliated with Kurukshetra University. A large cattle fair is held in the town in summer. Agriculture in the area is supported by extensive canal irrigation systems. Pop. (1981) town, 89,068.