Happy TravellerWelcome to Malihabad, the mango capital of India! Located in the Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh, Malihabad is a town and nagar panchayat that is famous for its delicious mangoes, chikan embroidery work, and rich history. With a population of 17,818, Malihabad is the largest of Uttar Pradesh’s 14 designated mango belts and accounted for 12.5% of all mango production in the state in 2013. Hundreds of mango varieties are grown here, including the Chausa, Langda, Safeda, and most famously the Dasheri, the king of mangoes, of which it is one of India’s main producers and exporters. Mango grower and Padma Shri recipient Kaleem Ullah Khan has contributed to the popularization of Malihabad’s mango industry.
Aside from its mangoes, Malihabad is also known for its chikan embroidery work. This traditional embroidery style involves delicate and intricate hand-stitching on fabrics like cotton, silk, and muslin. Visitors can witness the skilled artisans at work and purchase beautiful chikan garments and accessories as souvenirs.
Malihabad has a rich history that dates back to the Mughal era. According to some scholars, Malihabad’s name came from Shaikh Malih, a relative of Shaikh Abdul Rahim, who settled during the time of Akbar. Malihabad may have come under Muslim rule as early as the reign of Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji, who invaded Awadh in 1202. Malihabad was historically the seat of a pargana, as mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari. During the reign of Safdarjung, the Pathan landlords Yaar beg Khan Afridi, Baaz khan afridi, Karam khan afridi etc granted part of Malihabad, known as Kawalhar. In 1257H Nawab Faqir Muhammad khan Goya Grandson of Yaar beg khan afridi become the commander-in-chief in the army of Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar Shah. He became enamored with Malihabad and requested permission from the Nawab to grow mangoes here, thus establishing the first mango plantation in Malihabad. Then he rebels against the Mughals and joins hands with the British and Britishers given him talukdari. and he build mahals, havelis, serai, mosque and bazaar in Mirzaganj (town in Malihabad). His great-grandson was the famous poet Josh Malihabadi.
Malihabad’s economy is heavily reliant on its mango plantations, which are one of the major income sources of the region. Mangoes are exported to many neighboring countries, and the Dasheri Mango is particularly famous for its sweetness and soft pulp. Other varieties of mangoes such as Chausa, Fazli, Lucknowa, Jauhari, Safeda, etc. are also grown here. Vegetables are another major export here.
Malihabad has also been featured in several films and television shows. The Filmfare Award winner (1979) and winner of National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi (1978), film Junoon was mostly shot in the Mahals of Malihabad. The 1978 Urdu film was produced by Shashi Kapoor and directed by Shyam Benegal and was a hit of its time. The film was based on Ruskin Bond novella A Flight of Pigeons. Other productions that have shot in Malihabad include the films Shorgul and Mulk and the television series Savdhaan India and Krishna Chali London. Malihabad and its famous mangoes are mentioned several times in the 2004 film Lakshya.
Malihabad is a unique and charming destination that offers visitors a taste of India’s rich history and culture, as well as some of the most delicious mangoes in the world. Come and explore this hidden gem for yourself!
