About Bareilly

Historically, Bareilly was part of the ancient **Panchala kingdom**, a powerful region mentioned extensively in the epic **Mahabharata**. The capital of North Panchala, Ahichhatra, is situated in the Aonla tehsil of modern-day Bareilly. According to mythology, Draupadi, the daughter of King Drupada, was born here, lending her the mythological name *Panchali*.

In the 16th century, the city of Bareilly was formally established by Jagat Singh Katehriya in 1537, and later named after his sons **Bansdeo** and **Bareldeo**. During the Mughal era, it served as an important military outpost and administrative hub, eventually becoming the capital of the Rohilkhand region under the Afghan Rohilla rulers.

Bareilly is globally known as **Nath Nagri** (the Land of Lord Shiva) due to the presence of seven ancient and historic temples located on the seven borders of the city: Alakhnath, Trivatinath, Madhinath, Dhopeshwarnath, Tapeshwarnath, Pasupatinath, and Vankhandeshwarnath. Devotees visit these shrines throughout the year, especially during the holy month of Shravan.

Simultaneously, the city is an internationally acclaimed center for Islamic studies and spiritual Sufi learning. It houses the **Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat**, the shrine of the 19th-century Sufi scholar Imam Ahmed Raza Khan, attracting millions of visitors and disciples from around the globe annually.

The city is nicknamed **Bans Bareilly** due to its historically large bamboo trade and processing industries. Beyond raw bamboo, Bareilly has achieved massive acclaim for its exquisite **Cane Furniture**, handcrafted by local artisans and exported to high-end showrooms all across India.

Bareilly's most luxurious legacy, however, lies in its delicate hand-embroidery work known as **Zari-Zardosi**. Hundreds of small workshop clusters in the old city weave beautiful designs into sarees, lehengas, and ethnic garments, preserving an art form that has passed down through generations. The city is also famously known for its high-quality **Surma (Kohl)**, believed to improve vision and aesthetic charm.