0 Old Delhi or Shahjahanabad has evolved dramatically from its inception in the 17th century. Tracing its journey using archival imagery and paintings provides a unique glimpse into the area’s urban evolution. In this blog, let’s dive deep into it’s exquisite and fascinating evolution.  The Magnificent New Capital In 1638, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan established Shahjahanabad as his imperial capital with the Red Fort and Jama Masjid as its grand centrepieces.  Do you know European travellers in the 1600s called it “Delhi’s newest marble wonder”? Early paintings depict spacious streets, lively bazaars, and imposing architecture. You will be amazed to know Shahjahanabad was planned to be a replica of paradise on Earth based on Islamic geometry and patterns! The Yamuna river flowed along its eastern edge. By the mid-1700s, Shahjahanabad was a thriving metropolis attracting merchants, soldiers and labourers. The imperial vision had flourished into reality. Western Influences Emerge Post the 1857 Revolt, the British relocated the capital to Calcutta. Delhi became a regional centre in the British Raj.  You will be surprised to know Old Delhi railway station was built in 1864 combining Mughal, Gothic and Victorian styles, reflecting changing architectural tastes. Not only that, the early 1900s saw Western style bungalows, stables, and barracks built around Kashmiri Gate. Paintings show imposing colonial buildings dwarfing Old Delhi’s crumbling walls. The 1911 Delhi Durbar saw grand construction like Coronation Park. This period saw Shahjahanabad lose its stature to imperial New Delhi. Remnant of the Past Today Old Delhi stands somewhat frozen in time, still clinging to its past identity. Though now congested with traffic and commerce, certain pockets like Chandni Chowk retain their heritage character. Do you know the government prohibited large demolitions here after outrage over the destruction of old structures in the 1970s-80s? Efforts to pedestrianise streets are reviving its past ambiance. While overpopulated and fraying at the edges, contemporary Old Delhi continues to fascinate as a site of enduring history. Visiting Old Delhi today, one sees a patterned amalgam of old and new – ruins and messy streets interspersed with splendid monuments and colourful bazaars. Its eclectic urban landscape bears witness to its multi-layered past. Old Delhi today is a delightful mess of contradictions. Packed streets buzzing with chaos surround ancient monuments frozen in time. The city carries the remnants of its past within its folds, like a grandmother’s treasure box.  As modernization threatens Old Delhi, we must not forget its history and heritage. Its havelis, palaces and gullies tell a story spanning centuries that must be preserved. The archival paintings and images of the past serve to remind us how this storied city has evolved over the ages, from imperial capital to modern urban jungle. Old Delhi’s fabric encapsulates the many lives of Delhi – if you look closely, you can trace its varied threads interwoven through time.

0 Delhi is incomplete without the mention of Old Delhi. Old Delhi’s narrow lanes are dotted with bustling bazaars brimming with culture and history. Each bazaar or market illustrates its amazing and unique factors. Not only are monuments the space to fully discover the essence of Delhi but the local markets and bazaars will lead you to thrills and shopping adventures. Take a stroll through these pulsating markets in this blog to experience the real flavor of the city.  Delhi’s Beating Heart  Do you know Chandni Chowk is over 300 years old? Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this ‘moonlit square’ was once the imperial avenue to the Red Fort. Over the centuries, it evolved into Delhi’s oldest and busiest bazaar. You will be shocked to know that the chaos of cars, cycle rickshaws, handcarts, and pedestrians has not changed since the Mughal era! Meandering through the cacophony transports you back in time.  Not only that, Chandni Chowk is a food lover’s paradise. Stop at century-old eateries like Paranthe Wali Gali for stuffed flatbreads and Ghantewala for sweets. And you cannot miss Old Famous Jalebi Wala, which has been selling the softest jalebis since 1884. Delhi’s Paper Hub Heading north takes you to Chawri Bazar, Delhi’s wedding card and paper products market. You will be amazed by the endless shops selling handmade paper products, wedding accessories, and more. Do you know how Chawri Bazar got its unique name? Legend says it came from ‘chawri’ or lamps that a courtesan lit to welcome Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.  Not only that, Chawri Bazar has a 350-year-old temple, an ornate mosque, and a charming Jain temple. And don’t miss indulging in vegetarian treats at Hare Ram Hare Krishna in Daryaganj.   Asia’s Largest Spice Market No trip to Old Delhi is complete without visiting the aromatic Khari Baoli. Do you know it is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market?  You will be awed to see mountains of colorful spices, herbs, and food products. The market’s name means ‘salty stepwell’, referring to the water body once located here.  Not only that, a walk through Khari Baoli provides a glimpse into Old Delhi’s rich spice trade history. Marvel at sacks of vivid spices, pick some to take home and sample tasty snacks at Old Famous Jalebi Wala. The Street of the Tailor’s Needle In the middle of Old Delhi lies Sui Walan, a place filled with shops selling clothes, eateries, and whatnot. The mentioned place is a main local market. Famous eating points are Durga Halwai, which is not only famous for its wok Chowmin and Chole Bhature but also for its franchise shop of utensils.  While exploring Sui Walan, you will be welcomed by the fragrance of fresh gajra, mehendi, and pickles.  Old Delhi’s bazaars give you a sensory experience through their chaos, flavors, aromas, and colors. Lose yourself in these markets to soak up the old-world charm.