Baghpat, the seat of administration of
Baghpat District, is an old town situated on the banks of
Yamuna in
Uttar Pradesh. The town is located 40 km north of
Delhi and 52 km west of
Meerut.
References about Baghpat is found in the epic of Mahabharata. It is thought to be one of the five villages that had been mentioned in the epic. In early days, the place was called ‘Vyagprastha’ (the Land of Tigers) – alluding to the large tiger population found in the region at that time. The town was renamed Baghpat during the time of Mughals.
Baghpat’s location besides the Yamuna and the proximity with Delhi and Meerut enhances its commercial importance. Making and selling Gud (Sugar Product) and Sugar are the major activities of the town. There are also a few shoe and agricultural equipment manufacturing units. The 200-year-old Baghpat Mandi, built by Jabita Khan, is a major commercial center in the town.
Places of tourist interest include Pura Mahadev, Valmiki Ashram, Lakshagrah, Saccha Sauda and Chandraprabhu Digamber Jain Atishya Kshetra.
Nearest airport and railhead are at Delhi.
