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Hindustan Times
January 1, 1860 at 12:18:48 AM
Chandni Chowk is a historic market in Old Delhi, India.

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Chandni Chowk is a historic market in Old Delhi, India.

Chandni Chowk is a historic market in Old Delhi, India. It is one of the oldest and busiest markets in the country, dating back to the 17th century when it was established by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The market was designed by his daughter Jahanara Begum and was originally called Chandni Chowk (Moonlit Square) because of its silver-shining streets.


Over the centuries, Chandni Chowk has grown and evolved, but it remains one of the most important commercial and cultural centers in Delhi. It is famous for its narrow lanes, vibrant bazaars, and bustling atmosphere, and is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks, such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

Jahanara Begum was the daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, who is famous for building the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Jahanara Begum was a well-educated and talented woman who played an important role in the cultural and political life of the Mughal Empire.

One of Jahanara's significant contributions was the design and construction of the famous market of Chandni Chowk in Delhi. It is said that Jahanara Begum was an accomplished architect and urban planner, and she was responsible for designing the layout of the market and its surrounding area. Chandni Chowk was built in the mid-17th century during the reign of Shah Jahan, and it became one of the busiest and most vibrant markets in Delhi.

Jahanara Begum's contribution to the construction of Chandni Chowk is still remembered today, and she is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Delhi's cultural history. Her legacy can be seen in the beautiful architecture and bustling markets of Old Delhi, which continue to attract visitors from all over the world.

Jahanara Begum was not only an accomplished architect and urban planner, but she was also a writer and a patron of the arts. She was a well-educated woman who was fluent in several languages, including Persian, Turkish, and Arabic, and she wrote several works in these languages.

Jahanara Begum was also known for her philanthropic work, and she spent a significant amount of her wealth on charity and helping the poor. She established several charitable institutions in Delhi, including a hospital and a school for girls, and she was known for her generosity towards the less fortunate.


Jahanara Begum's contributions to the cultural and architectural heritage of Delhi are still celebrated today, and she is remembered as one of the most influential and visionary women of her time. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of architects, writers, and artists, and her contributions to the development of Chandni Chowk remain an important part of Delhi's cultural history.

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