Mainpuri district
Mainpuri district in the Agra division of Uttar Pradesh has its headquarters in Mainpuri town. It covers about 2,745 square kilometers and is divided into six tehsils: Mainpuri, Bhongaon, Karhal, Kishni, Kurawali, and Ghiror. The district lies in the Braj region, the legend of Lord Krishna’s land, and is bordered by Etah to the north, Farrukhabad and Kannauj to the east, Etawah to the south, and Firozabad and Etah to the west.
As of the 2011 census, Mainpuri district had a population of about 1.87 million people, with a population density of around 671 people per square kilometer. The sex ratio is 876 females for every 1,000 males, and the literacy rate is 78.3%. About 15% of the people live in towns, while the rest are rural. Scheduled Castes make up about 19.7% of the population. The main languages are Hindi and Braj Bhasha. Hindus are the majority, Muslims are the largest minority, and rural Hindus make up most of the population. There are also thousands of Buddhists.
Historically, Mainpuri district was formed in 1837 from the larger Etawah district. It had served as the headquarters of Etawah since 1801, and Etah was split off in 1845. The area has seen rule by Mughals, Marathas, Afghans, and Nawabs, which shaped its culture in music, dance, and crafts.
Geographically, the district is a flat Indo-Gangetic plain with several rivers, including the Kali Nadi (northeast boundary), Isan, and Arind. There are swamps and many lakes, with soils typical of the plain: sandy bhur, clayey matyar, loamy domat, and lighter pilia. The Kali Nadi and Isan are important water features and influence drainage across the district.
Economically, Mainpuri is an agricultural area with markets in Shikohabad, Bewar, Kusmara, Sirsaganj, and Ghiror. The area has a rich cultural heritage from Mughal and Nawab eras, influencing art, music, and festivals. Local festivals and temple fairs, including those at Sheetla Devi Temple, are important community events, reflecting a shared Hindu and Muslim cultural heritage in the region.
Places to visit include Phoolbagh and Lohia Park in Mainpuri city, the old Fort/Garhi (private property), and the Saman Bird Sanctuary, which hosts migratory birds like the Siberian crane. The district is also known for the sarus crane, particularly in the Andani village of Karhal.
Education is supported by institutions such as the Government Engineering College, Mainpuri, a government college affiliated with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 23:09 (CET).