Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Everything you've fascinated about India being excited with activity that comes to life at Chandni Chowk in Delhi. This prominent market place is one of the most crowded places of India. And the place where visitors will get some of the best street food, spices, and bargain goods. It's surprising that, once Chandni Chowk was a stately promenade and the route of royal processions during the Mughal era. It was built in the mid 17th century as part of Shahjahanabad, the capital city that Emperor Shah Jahan builtduring the golden era of Mughal rule. The market area around Chandni Chowk was designed by Shah Jahan's eldest daughter, Jahanara, and became the principal bazaar of the walled city.  The Fatehpuri Mosque was constructed in the memory of Fateha Begum, one of wives of emperor Shah Jahan.

fig: Collected

Chandni Chowk, means Moonlight Square and its evocative name from the moon's reflection in a large pond of water. Probably, the pond existed in the square in front of the present-day Town Hall but the British built a clock tower over it, which collapsed in 1951. Chandni Chowk gained its elite status into the early 18th century, before the royal family started to decline. It was the place for people to gather and shop expensive jewelry, gemstones and perfumes. The changes in Indian politics has changed the structure of Chandni Chowk. The rebellion of 1857, end of Mughal empire and occupied the Red Fort by the British totally changed the surroundings of Chandni Chowk.

The British remodeled the gardens and constructed colonial-style buildings. Besides historical significances, Chandni Chowk is still regarded as one of the top shopping places in Delhi. Present days, it's a congested and crumbling commercial place, with a bewildering  vendors all competing for space though. Recently, a redevelopment project has revamped the main thoroughfare from the Red Fort and the Fatehpuri Masjid, turning it into a vehicle-free zone from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Chandni Chowk will overwhelm the visitors senses with a big dose of culture shock! Wear comfortable shoes, dress properly and conservatively, and be prepared to walk a lot. While visiting mosques, women will find  it useful to carry a scarf. The visitors should take extra care to keep safe and secure from the pickpockets. Fake products are widely sold at Chandni Chowk.

Ways to go

By air is the only option to go to Delhi. Air India, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Hahn Air Systems, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, Turkish Airlines have Dhaka-Delhi direct flight. The fare is starting from $175 and the highest price is somewhat $428. The location of Chandni Chowk is in the heart of present-day old Delhi and a few miles north of the Connaught Place business district. The visitors can easily reach Chandni Chaowk by metro train. The nearest Metro train station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line and Lal Qila (Red Fort) on the Heritage Line and this is an underground extension of the Violet Line. Taking the train there might help to avoid crazy traffic snarls.

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Written by Sumaiya Tasnim  

 (Information Collected)

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