Aligarh history explored in new book by Atif Syed

In his new book, ‘Aligarh: The City That Outlasted Empires’, author Atif Syed explores the historical layers of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, moving beyond its well-known association with Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and the Aligarh movement led by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

Syed’s research traces the city’s evolution from its origins under the Dor Rajputs and its identity as Koil or Kol through various conquests, including those by Qutb al-Din Aibak and during the Mughal era. The narrative covers significant historical turning points, such as the 1857 uprising and the Battle of 1803 involving British forces, Marathas, and French allies.

The book highlights overlooked aspects of the city’s cosmopolitan past, including the presence of French families who lived in Aligarh for generations, such as George Peche, an Urdu poet. Syed also examines the city’s diverse heritage through its architecture, global merchant networks, and the lives of ordinary citizens who navigated changing political powers.