Malihabad is a town and nagar panchayat in the Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh, India.[1] It is also the seat of a tehsil and a community development block of the same name.[1] As of 2011, its population was 17,818, in 3,032 households.[1] Malihabad is the largest of Uttar Pradesh's 14 designated mango belts and accounted for 12.5% of all mango production in the state in 2013.[2] Hundreds of mango varieties are grown here, including the Chausa, Langda, Safeda, and most famously the Dasheri, the "king of mangoes"[2] of which it is one of India's main producers and exporters.[1] Mango grower and Padma Shri recipient Haji Kaleem Ullah Khan has contributed to the popularization of Malihabad's mango industry.[2]
Malihabad is located at 6°55′N80°43′E / 6.92°N 80.72°E / 6.92; 80.72.[4] It has an average elevation of 128metres (419feet).The main areas in Malihabad are Mirzaganj, Syedwara, Chaudrana and Kewalhar. And Malihabad's major population belongs to the rural areas and there are most probably 187 villages and 67 gram panchayats also included under the tahsheel of Malihabad.
History
According to some reliable sources, Malihabad was originally known by a different name."
Asmat Malihabadi, founder of Josh Academy and a relative informed that perhaps Malihabad is named after Qazi Maleeh (their descendants still reside in Malihabad) whose mazar or grave is at Dudhiya Shareef, a burial ground of those with a refined soul. [5]
Malihabad was historically the seat of a pargana, as mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari.[3] At the time of Shah Jahan it was colonized by AmmanzaiPathans, who became the primary landowners.[3] During the reign of Safdarjung, the Pathan landlords Yaar Beg Khan Afridi, Baaz Khan Afridi, Karam Khan Afridi and others were granted a part of Malihabad, known as Kawalhar. In 1257H Nawab Faqir Muhammad khan Goya Grandson of Yaar Beg Khan Afridi became the commander-in-chief in the army of Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar Shah.[2] He became enamored with Malihabad and requested permission from the Nawab to grow mangoes here, thus establishing the first mango plantation in Malihabad[2]
As of 2001[update] India census,[6] Malihabad had a population of 15,806. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Malihabad has an average literacy rate of 52%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 59%, and female literacy is 45%. In Malihabad, 16% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Economics
Dasheri mango plantations are one of the major income sources of the region, with mangoes being exported to many neighbouring countries.[7][8]
The Filmfare Award winner (1979) and winner of National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi (1978), film Junoon was mostly shot in the Mahals of Malihabad.[9] The 1978 Urdu film was produced by Shashi Kapoor and directed by Shyam Benegal and was a hit of its time. The film was based on Ruskin Bond novella A Flight of Pigeons.
Malihabad and its famous mangoes are mentioned several times in the 2004 film Lakshya.[10]
Culture
Malihabad is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, peaceful social environment, and literary traditions. The town is especially famous for its Mangoes Like Dasheri mango, Chaunsa, Jawhari Safeda, Lucknowa and 300+ varieties of mangoes, often earning it the title of the Mango Capital of India.
Ethnic and Cultural Blend
Malihabad has been home to a large community of Pathans who settled here several centuries ago. Over generations, they have deeply integrated with the local Awadhi culture while preserving their own Pashtun values and customs. This fusion has given rise to a distinctive social identity marked by Pashtun pride, linguistic elegance, and Awadhi grace.
Traditional Attire
The Pashtun men of Malihabad traditionally wear long kurtas or kameez with wide salwars, often accompanied by a turban (pagri) or cap. Women typically wear embroidered salwar kameez or sarees, reflecting a blend of Pashtun modesty and Awadhi aesthetics. Even today, traditional dress remains a common sight during cultural gatherings, weddings, and festivals.
Ganga–Jamuni Tehzeeb
A defining feature of Malihabad’s culture is its enduring spirit of Ganga–Jamuni Tehzeeb, representing the harmonious coexistence of Hindus and Muslims for over three centuries. The town has witnessed no communal conflict in its recorded history. Festivals such as Eid, Holi, and Diwali are celebrated collectively, symbolizing unity, respect, and cultural brotherhood.
Literary and Artistic Heritage
Malihabad has made a notable contribution to Urdu literature and Urdu poetry, being the birthplace of Josh Malihabadi, the revolutionary poet often called the Shair-e-Inquilab. His works continue to inspire literary gatherings (mushairas) and intellectual discussions in the region.
Lifestyle and Traditions
The people of Malihabad are known for their refined Urdu, hospitality, and social grace. Cultural life often revolves around family gatherings, poetry recitations, and communal celebrations. The local cuisine carries the distinct flavors of Awadhi cuisine. Dishes like biryani, kebabs, sheermal, and kheer, Samnak Halwa, Matarya barfi e.t.c which are enjoyed across communities.
Legacy of Peace and Heritage
Despite modernization, Malihabad continues to uphold its values of communal harmony, education, and mutual respect. The town remains a living example of cultural coexistence and artistic excellence — where tradition, literature, and peace have flourished together for centuries.
Villages
Malihabad block contains the following 100 villages:[1]
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