Nation's many Chandni Chowks

NEW DELHI: The name "Chandni Chowk" conjures up the image of the historic Mughal-era marketplace in Delhi, where heritage, chaos, and commerce converge.

- Manoj Sharma

Home to some of India's largest wholesale bazaars, this iconic market has, for over 300 years, been a favoured destination for traders and tourists alike.

But Chandni Chowk isn't just a Delhi phenomenon. Several Indian cities - Kolkata, Patna, and Pune, among others - have their own Chandni Chowks. The original, with its rich legacy and moonlit origins, remains the most iconic, but these local iterations have carved out their own distinct identities, most serving as bustling hubs of commerce and prominent city landmarks.

The history of Delhi's Chandni Chowk is rich and well-documented - built in 1650, this once-grand, moonlit square was the brainchild of Jahanara Begum, the daughter of emperor Shah Jahan. Jahanara, a poet, writer, architect, engineer, and painter, played an important role in its design. In her book, Chandni Chowk: The Mughal City of Old Delhi, historian Swapna Liddle writes:

"This space was commissioned by princess Jahanara. On her mother's death in 1631, she had inherited property worth more than five million rupees, which was half of her mother's fortune, the other half being divided among her siblings... The chowk had a large pool in its centre, reflecting the moonlight, or chandni, which gave the square its name."

But the origins of its namesakes in other cities remain less clear. While Kolkata's Chandni Chowk is believed to have originated in the early 18th century, and today thrives as an electronics and hardware hub, Patna's version is Bihar's largest electrical market, with over 200 shops - much like Delhi's Bhagirath Palace. Pune's Chandni Chowk, a massive traffic intersection that was recently redeveloped, serves as a gateway to the city.