Are you privy to the Secrets of Old Delhi?

Shah Jahan created the Shahjahanabad near ancient Delhi.It includes a splended fort the Jama Masjid and many other mosques and temples.It also includes many Kuchas and Mohallas.Katras developed around nuclei deriving their names from provincial groups ot commodities such as -Kashmiri Karta and Katra Neal.Mohallas and kuchas derived their names from prominent men and commodities sold. Delhi at this point of time had it's own culture and way of life which was affected because of the influence of urban population.

Jama Masjid

The city was finally taken over from the Marathas by the British in 1803.The Gazette of 1815 claimed that the value of land in the city had doubled in the first 10 years of the British peace.One of the most spectacular constructions being the haveli built by Bhavani Shankar.After the conquest there was an impression that population was increasing.The pressure of population led to the construction of many houses along the length of Chandini Chowk and Faiz Bazar.The culture of Delhi was narrowmindedly urban in outlook.

Chandni Chowk in early 1857

Delhi was fed from the Doab and the grain emporio,east of river in Shadra,Ghaziabad and Patparganj.The vegitables and fruits were sold in the whole sale market of Sabzimandi.The city was surrounded by a wall that protected the inhabitants considerably from external threat.The pattern of tax collection depended on the Maratha or Mughal in power as well as efficiency of the individual.

A contemporary once observed that the shopkeepers had encroached upon the roads in the bazaar and their shops were demolished by the British and returned to the state in which they were.The Jama Masjid was repaired,maintenance of the city,road repair and traffic regulations were given importance.A railway line was built above the Jamuna to connect Delhi with Calcutta.It was discovered that most of the diseases were water bourne and so a canal was built to provide clean drinking water.

The events in the post 1857 era robbed Delhi of it's aesthetic environment. 

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Marketplace of Ballimaran

Ballimaran, as i found out, was an area where all the boatmen lived. They were those who rowed in the river Yamuna.  But, today it is one of the hidden places of Delhi. A lot of people know that the famous Ghalib, died in a Haveli of this region.

If ever you get a chance to visit this place, you'll find that the Rickshaw-wallas will gladly take you to that haveli. There is also a market place arround this place that sells beautifully made leather shoes, juttis & belts.
There is also a section of wholesale sellers, selling spectacles and sunglasses. The varq-makers live here, wrapping the traditional sweets with a thin sweet silver foil. The look of these sweets is so appealing, that you cannot pass by without buying them. There are also lots of small eateries, offering Mughlai and Afghani food.

Another unique item seen, was a variety of wodden rings and beads which looked like pieces of some metal. This was the first time i came accross such a thing. The feel of this place of something you have to have it!   

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