Chandini chowk, a part of old Delhi, was designed by the daughter of Shahjahan, Jahanara Begum.
The famous Chandni Chowk once used to look like Venice. This place back in time had a stream of water flowing from the red fort to the Fatehpuri Masjid which used to reflect the moonlight and that is how Chandni Chowk got its name. This place was once a center of art and architecture and many poets and royals have lived in this city of gold. Chandini Chowk is full of hidden Havelis which have been managed well to be preserved in time.
HAVELIS OFChandini chowk
1. Khazanchi ki Haveli
Khazanchi means treasurer, these were the people, who used to keep all the accounts of money, gold, and even books. Back in time, this haveli had an underground tunnel connecting Khazanchi’s haveli to the red fort (Qila-e-Mubarak) for cautiously transporting treasures and gold. The upper side windows are from where the women used to enjoy what was happening (performances) on the platform in the haveli while maintaining the curtain.
2. Begum Samru’s Haveli
Begum Samru was a 14-year-old nautch girl (Tawaif), who married the French mercenary Sombre. Sombre commanded the Mughal army for many years and after his death, Begum Samru continued doing the same. She commanded an army of 4000 men. Her haveli was the first to have Greek pillars in Delhi. This haveli is now known as Bhagirath palace, the largest electrical goods wholesale market in Asia.
3. NaugharA
Naughara means nine houses. Naughara is a cul-de-sac. In the olden days there used to be nine Havelis. These Havelis were owned by Agarwal Marwari communities. It is always a pleasure to see the beautiful bright colors of the painted doorways. Most of the nine houses are occupied by the Jain families and only one extended Nahar occupies four of them. At the end on the right side, you will see the Jain Svetambara temple.
4. Mirza Ghalib ki haveli
This Mirza Ghalib’s haveli is in Ballimaran market and it is the place where Ghalib spent the last days of his life. This haveli was a gift to Ghalib by his hakim (doctor) friend because he used to appreciate his work a lot. Ghalib’s hakim friend even stayed with him in this haveli for many years and when Ghalib passed away he stood at the door and did not allow anyone to enter the haveli. This haveli was converted into a coal factory after he passed away, and in 1990, the government of India bought two rooms of this haveli and made a memorial for Mirza Ghalib.
5. Lal Chunnamal ki Haveli
Lal Chunnamal was old Delhi’s wealthiest man and a well-known textile merchant of classical times. He was also the first municipal commissioner during British rule. The Chunnamal family was the first family in Delhi to have a phone and a motor car.
Today his 4th generation Mr. Anil Pershad lives at the Chunnamal Haveli. This haveli has 150 rooms and even today it is in a well–preserved condition.
6. Zeenat Mahal ki haveli
Zeenat Mahal was the wife of Bahadur Shah II and mother of Mirza Jawan Bakht, Bahadur Shah’s favorite son. This haveli was constructed on the personal order of Zeenat Mahal and sponsored by merchants of old Delhi. After the death of Zeenat Mahal, this haveli served the purpose of quarters for the mistress of the king of Patiala. After the partition, the king migrated to Pakistan and the haveli was sold off to the government of India. Today you will find Zeenat mahal girl’s school at this place.
Also read: 5 BEST PLACES IN DELHI FROM WHERE YOU CAN BUY VINTAGE STYLE FURNITURE AND DECOR ITEMS – Asiana Times
