city, northern Rajasthan (Rājasthān) state, northwestern India, on the right bank of the Ghaggar River. Previously called Bhatner (“The Fortress of the Bhatti Rajputs”), it became Hanumangarh in 1805 when annexed by the princely state of Bikaner. The city with its fort was taken by the Mongol conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) in 1398; it has since changed hands several times. Connected by rail with Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Ganganagar, the city is an agricultural market centre where cotton and wool are woven on hand looms. It has several colleges affiliated with the University of Rajasthan. Pop. (2001) 129,556.