Situated in north Indian state (Uttar Pradesh), Sambhal was announced as new district on September 28, 2011. Initially district was named as Bhim Nagar however latter on July 23, 2012, Chief Minister renamed it as Sambhal. It was formed by joining Sambhal and Chandausi tehsils of Moradabad, along with Gunaur tehsil of the existing Badaun district. Painful, but fact, there was initial disputes on H
eadquarter of new district. Presently temporary headquarter is in Behjoi. Zila Sambhal is one of the biggest markets for Menthol oil which is obtained from the pipermint (mentha) plant. Both Sambhal and Chandausi have big mentha market. Sambhal is famous for animal bone and horn carvings and handicrafts. That apart, Sambhal is known for Hakims and Chandausi is known for rail terminal. Sambhal is an ancient settlement. In late 12th century, Sambhal was the capital of Prithviraj Chauhan, the King of Hindu Kshatriya Chauhan, until he changed his capital to Delhi and Ajmer. In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Sikandar Lodi made Sambhal one of his provincial capitals. Also, during the reign of Mughal emperor, Akbar, Sambhal was a 'Sarkar' in the 'Subah' of Delhi and had a brick fort. Sambhal has one of the Babri Mosques constructed by the first Mughal Emperor, Babur.
