Which District of Uttar Pradesh is Known as Shiraz of the East?

Jaunpur, a district in Uttar Pradesh, is known as the "Shiraz of the East" or "Shiraz-e-Hind." It earned this title because of its rich cultural heritage, especially in literature, architecture and music. Know more about the "Shiraz of the East" in detail in this article.

Akansha Arora Last updated on February 6th, 2025 10:58 am

There are many cities in India known for their rich history, culture and architecture. Some places are compared to famous cities around the world because of their unique contributions to art, education and literature. One such city in Uttar Pradesh earned a special title due to its historical importance and beautiful monuments. In this article, we will know about the district of Uttar Pradesh which is known as the “Shiraz of East.”

An Overview of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India and the most populated state in the country, with over 241 million people. It is even more populated than most countries in the world. The state shares borders with Nepal and several Indian states. Covering 243,286 square kilometers, it is the fourth-largest state in India. Lucknow is the capital, while Prayagraj serves as the judicial capital.

Number of Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has 75 districts, along with one temporary district, making it the state with the most districts in India. For better administration, these districts are grouped into 18 divisions, helping in efficient governance and development.

Shiraz of the East

Jaunpur, a district in Uttar Pradesh, is known as the “Shiraz of the East” or “Shiraz-e-Hind.” It earned this title because of its rich cultural heritage, especially in literature, architecture and music. The city flourished during the rule of the Sharqi dynasty, which encouraged learning and the construction of beautiful monuments.

Why is Jaunpur Called “Shiraz of the East”?

Jaunpur is compared to Shiraz, a famous city in Iran known for its contributions to literature and art. During the Sharqi dynasty, Jaunpur became a hub for poets, scholars and musicians. The rulers built grand mosques, bridges and tombs, making it a center of Islamic culture in India.

Founder of Jaunpur

Jaunpur was founded by Feroz Shah Tughlaq, a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He named it after his cousin, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who was also called Jauna Khan. The city developed as an important center of education and culture under his rule.

Architecture Wonders of Jaunpur

Jaunpur is home to many stunning monuments from the Sharqi period. Some famous examples include:

Atala Masjid: A beautiful mosque known for its Indo-Islamic architecture.
Jama Masjid: One of the largest mosques built by the Sharqi rulers.
Shahi Bridge: A historical bridge constructed during Akbar’s reign, still standing today.