Chandni Chowk In The Walled City Of Delhi, 1860 Photo

An 1860 photo of the once elegant boulevard of Chandni Chowk in the walled city of old Delhi. Delhi was known as Shahjahanabad before the British arrived. Chandni Chowk was undoubtedly, the most elegant boulevard. Chandni Chowk (or “Silvery Moonlit Square”), laid out in 1648, had a canal passing through it once.

Today Chandni Chowk is far from what you see in this photo. With chaotic traffic and maddening rush, roadside trade occupy every square inch of the place. This is one of the busiest markets in India. The buildings are evidently centuries old. Shah Jahan had ordered the construction of the walled city of Shahjahanabad. Where Chandni Chowk occupied the center of this city of old Delhi.

It was designed by his daughter Princess Jahanara Begum who was also the daughter of Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan built the wall of which is around 10 km in total length. There were openings of 14 gates like Delhi, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman, Calcutta gates, etc, to name a few. Today, unfortunately, only parts of the wall and a few of the gates still exist. Click on the photo for better view.

Did you know- The Red Fort monument is located at the eastern end of Chandni Chowk. It was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, and designed by his daughter, Jahanara.

From the collection- 1971 Raja Ravi Varma Commemorative First Day Cover., First Line Beach Madras – Old Postcard 1900., Bombay Fort And Harbour – Old Map/Plan 1754., 2 Vintage Postcards – Bombay Fort Traffic Scene 1942

The images are of the actual items from my collection. And Not a photocopy, pirated, reproduced, or stock photos or taken from other sources.

Photo Details

Year -

1860

Photograph Size -

10x12 inch

Photographer -

Bourne