Deoband lies in  Lat. 290 42’ N., and Long 770 41’E. According to a legend the town owes its name to the presence of a sacred grove (Devi-ban) where there is an ancient temple of Devi, and an annual assembly still takes place in the month of Chaitra in a neighbouring grove. Means of communication are good, and it is well linked by rail and road. The Delhi-Saharanpur line of the railway passes via Deoband which is a railway station. Besides, Saharanpur-Muzaffarnagar-Delhi metalled road also passes on which a major portion of trade is carried. 

During the freedom struggle of 1857 the inhabitants rose against the British. From the beginning of the present century, till 1947, Deoband became one of the important centres of political activity in the district connected with the national movement.

The Dar-ul-uloom is a big seat of learning. The town, which is 34km. from Saharanpur, is situated about 4 km. west of the Kali Nadi. There are, some buildings of historical importance: a Jami Masjid built by Sikandar Lodi in 1507 A. D., and one aming many others attributed to Aurangzeb built in 1664 A. D. Close to the south-eastern outskirts is the large tank called Devi-kund, the northern and western banks of which are covered with temples, ghats, the old Sanskrit pathshala and numerous other monuments much frequented by pilgrims.