Kanauj

Kannauj, also known as Kannauj or Kanyakubja, is a historic city and the administrative headquarters of Kannauj district in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, India. It lies on the fertile plains of the Ganges region and serves as a regional commercial and cultural center.

Kannauj is one of the oldest cities in Northern India with roots in ancient and medieval periods. In early centuries it was known as Kanyakubja and served as a capital for several dynasties. In the 7th century CE, it became the capital of Harsha's empire. From the 8th to 10th centuries the city was the focal point of the Tripartite Struggle among the Gurjara-Pratihara, Pala, and Rashtrakuta dynasties for control of Kannauj. In the 11th-12th centuries the Gahadavala dynasty ruled from Kannauj, contributing to its continuing regional influence. The city gradually declined after the late medieval period but remained a symbol of political and cultural power in northern India.

Today Kannauj is known for its long-standing perfume industry, particularly the production of attar (perfume oil). The town and surrounding district host many small distilleries that produce traditional fragrances, which are shipped throughout India and beyond. The area is also an agricultural region with crops typical of the Gangetic plain.

Kannauj has historical sites and monuments reflecting its past as a political center and trade hub, including archaeological remains and temples. It features in classical literature and inscriptions and remains a focus of regional history studies.