The medieval city of Ghazipur, located 78 kms. north-east of Varanasi on NH-29 in eastern Uttar Pradesh, is known primarily for its spiritual and religious importance. The modern district of Ghazipur once formed part of the ancient kingdom of  Kashi, a famous centre of Aryan civilazation. Hiuen Tsang, the Chineese pilgrim who stayed in India from 630 to 6 44 A.D., visited and described this place as" the Kingdom of the lord of battles". Though there are several legends surrounding the foundation of the present town of Ghazipur, the most credible account says that the city was founded in 1300 A.D.by one Syed Masud, an Amir in the kingdom of Firoz Tughlaq, when the latter conferred the title of Malik-us-sadat Ghazi on him.

Situated on the west bank of river Ganga, the entire district is a fertile alluvial plain with a long history of agriculture development. The population is predominantly agrarian and so is the economy.The town was an empty centre of river trade since the medieval times, as the nomenclature of old ghats-Koyla Ghat, Patthar Ghat, Rui Ghat, etc.suggests.Ghazipur has long been famous for the manufacturing of perfumes, especially rose water and itr as well as civilization of perfumes-bearing plants. Indigo and tobacco were flourishing cash-crops cultivated during the British period, along with sugarcane, poppy and oil-seeds. Presently, the region excels in the production of vegetables. The city is famous for its opium factory built in 1820 by the Benares Opium Agency for preparing the drug for the Chineese market. The factory was nationalized after independence as  Government Opium and Alkaloid Works and is the major opium and alkaloids producer for the country at present.

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