city, western Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It lies about 40 miles (65 km) southeast of Delhi, on the Kali River. Its name, which means “elevated town,” refers to its location on high ground. Formerly called Baran, the city is linked with Delhi and other cities by road and rail and is a trade centre for agricultural products. The surrounding area comprises a level region between the Ganges (Ganges River) (Ganga) and Yamuna (Yamuna River) (Jumna) rivers. The intensively cultivated land is irrigated by tube wells and by two branches of the Ganges Canal. Crops include grains, cotton, and sugarcane. The area passed from a Hindu raja to Maḥmūd of Ghazna (Maḥmūd) in 1018, was fought over during the 14th century, and then fell under Mughal rule. In 1805 it became part of British India. Pop. (2001) 176,425.