town, eastern Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It lies along the Tons River, a tributary of the Ghaghara (Ghāghara River), north of Varanasi (Benares). Founded in 1665 by Aʿẓam Khan, a local chief for whom it is named, the compact town sits on a level plain and is enclosed on three sides by the river, which occasionally floods. Principal industries are sugar milling and cotton weaving. The town is served by the Northeastern Railway. Azamgarh is situated in an agricultural area with fertile soil and plentiful rainfall. Crops grown in the area include rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Pop. (2001) 93,521.