Rampur, city in northern India, in northern Uttar Pradesh, formerly the capital of the Rohilla native state. Industries in the city include the production of textiles and agricultural implements, wine making, and sugar processing. It is also a regional trading center. Rampur has been served by a major rail line since 1894. The nearest airport is in Lucknow, 290 km (180 mi) southeast of the city. Rampur was once a medieval capital famous for its traditions in the fine arts, especially music. The Rampur gharana (style or school) of classical music—one of the major gharanas of India—attained a special significance early in the 20th century when a famous musician, Wazir Khan of Rampur, pioneered the use of the bin (a sitarlike musical instrument) for solo concerts. The central government-controlled manuscript library, Rampur Raza Library, is housed in the Rampur Fort. In addition to 50,000 books and 15,000 manuscripts, the library contains Mughal-style miniature paintings from the 16th to 18th century and a portrait of Emperor Babur. Rampur is also the site of Raza College. Once ruled by Muslim Nawabs, the city came under direct British protection in 1801. Acceded to the Indian Union after independence, it became a part of Uttar Pradesh in 1949. Population (1991) 243,742.
