The town of Rupnagar is said to have been founded by a Raja called Rokeshar, who ruled during the 11th century and named it after his son Rup Sen. But it cannot be accepted as true because it is located at the site of the remains of an ancient town of the Indus Valley Civilization. The major cities in Ropar District are Morinda, Kurali, Anandpur Sahib and Chamkaur Sahib. The town of Mohali was once part of Ropar District before it became a separate district in 2006.