This exhibition began in the year 1880, inspired by Raja Harnarayan Singh, and was initially organized as a Horse Exhibition under the name Aligarh District Fair by the then District Collector Mr. Marshall.
At that time, the District Collector would hold a formal court (Durbar) at the exhibition ground, where he addressed and resolved issues related to all departments of the district and provided guidance to his officers to ensure administrative coordination.
In 1914, the then Collector Mr. W. S. Marris, after whom Marris Road in Aligarh is named, constructed the Durbar Hall at the exhibition ground.
In earlier times, this exhibition was organized only once a year, and during the event, three formal Durbars were held. Over time, this structure evolved, and today it has taken the form of an Inaugural Ceremony and a Closing Ceremony.

Before India’s independence, in addition to this horse exhibition and the general Durbar, seasonal Durbars were also organized annually during both summer and winter. Gradually, these gatherings became more elaborate and diverse. Cultural programs, sports, and various entertainments were introduced, and prominent businessmen, wealthy merchants, and rural landlords began to participate actively. Read more