town, central Himachal Pradesh (Himāchal Pradesh) state, northwestern India. The town lies along the Beas River north-northwest of Shimla, the state capital. It is a trade centre for agricultural produce and timber. Hand-loom weaving and handicrafts are the principal industries. Mandi also conducts a frontier trade with Tibet (China). It is connected by roads with Shimla and with towns to the north and west. The surrounding area is a mountainous tract drained by the Beas and Sutlej (Sutlej River) rivers. Their fertile valleys yield grains, rice, corn (maize), and other crops. Large quantities of rock salt are mined. Pop. (2001) 26,873.