town, central Rajasthan (Rājasthān) state, northwestern India. Founded about 1480, it was at one time an important trade centre. The surrounding area was the scene of several battles, including the victory of the Marathas (Marāṭhā) over forces from the states of Jaipur and Jodhpur in 1790, and is the site of many memorial stone pillars. Captured by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1562, Merta contains a mosque built by him. An agricultural distribution centre, the town has oilseed and cotton mills. Pop. (2001) 40,252.