About Kashipur

History

Kashipur's older name was Govisana. During the time of Harsha in the 7th century, Govisana was known as a significant settlement, and remains of that ancient habitation are still associated with the area. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang also travelled through this region in the 7th century and described a fortified, elevated place surrounded by groves, tanks and fishponds.

The modern town is traditionally connected with Kashinath Adhikari, the governor of Tarai under the Chand rulers of Kumaon. Historical accounts differ on the exact foundation date, but one widely cited view places the modern town around the early 18th century. Kashipur also had a historic trade in cloth and metal vessels, which helped shape its commercial character.

Geography and Location

Kashipur lies around 29.22°N and 78.95°E, about 180 km northwest of New Delhi. It sits in the south-west of the Kumaon region, in the Terai belt. This low-lying belt has fertile land and is shaped by the river systems and smaller streams of the region.

The city has an average elevation of about 218 metres. The Bhabar tract near Ramnagar lies towards the north, while the wider region is linked to the basins of the Ramganga and Kosi. Kashipur itself is mainly drained by smaller rivers and lakes, including the Dhela river, a tributary of the Ramganga.

People and Administration

Kashipur is both a city and a tehsil headquarters. As per the 2011 Census, Kashipur city recorded 121,623 residents, while Kashipur tehsil recorded 283,136 residents. The tehsil includes Kashipur along with nearby towns and many surrounding villages.

The city is part of Udham Singh Nagar district and belongs to the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand. Its growth reflects both local settlement and migration from nearby hill and plains areas for education, trade, employment and agriculture.

Economy and Industry

Agriculture is an important part of Kashipur's economy. The fertile Terai land supports intensive cultivation, with crops and produce such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, mango, guava, jamun, jackfruit and litchi associated with the region.

Kashipur has also grown as an industrial centre. Historical industrial activity was small and agriculture-based, but later administrative support and local advantages encouraged faster industrial development. The Kashipur 2011 Master Plan reported 603 industrial units in the town, including cottage, small-scale and medium or large industries. Major activity is found around the Kashipur-Thakurdwara road belt, with paper, sugar, steel, chemicals and manufacturing-related units contributing to the local economy.

Culture and Places to Visit

Kashipur's cultural identity is shaped by temples, fairs, lakes, local markets and its location between the hills and the plains. Religious and community places attract people from the city and nearby villages, especially during festivals and annual fairs.

Transport Connectivity

Kashipur is a major transport hub in Uttarakhand and acts as a gateway for routes towards Ranikhet, Pauri and Gairsain. The city is served by National Highway 309 and National Highway 734. NH 734 connects towards Jaspur, Nagina and Najibabad, while NH 309 connects towards Rudrapur, Ramnagar and further hill routes.

Kashipur Junction railway station connects the city with destinations such as Ramnagar, Kathgodam, Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Agra, Jaisalmer, Haridwar and Delhi. Pantnagar Airport is around 72 km east of Kashipur, while the nearest major international airport is in New Delhi.

Education

Kashipur is also known for education in the region. The city hosts IIM Kashipur, a public business school established as part of the Government of India's Eleventh Five-Year Plan initiative for new Indian Institutes of Management. The wider city also includes colleges and institutes serving students from Kashipur and nearby areas.