THIS Indian emperor built Delhi’s iconic Chandni Chowk for his daughter; his name was…, the market was established in…

Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, established Chandni Chowk in 1650 AD, when he moved the Mughal empire's capital from Agra to what is today's Old Delhi city.

Chandni Chowk, a iconic marketplace in the heart of Old Delhi is one of the most historic spots in the national capital visited by millions of tourists and locals each year. But did you know that the bustling market is nearly 375 years old and was built by a famous Mughal emperor for his daughter?

Who built Chandni Chowk?

According to historical accounts, Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, established Chandni Chowk in 1650 AD, when he moved the Mughal empire’s capital from Agra to what is today’s Old Delhi city.

Historians say that Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara Begum was fond of shopping and used to buy goods from different markets of Delhi. The emperor found out about his daughter’s ‘hobby’, and decided to settle an entire market in front of the Lal Quila (Red Fort) in Old Delhi.

Construction of the iconic market began in 1650, and Jahanara Begum personally designed the grand bazaar as a bustling yet aesthetically pleasing commercial hub in the heart of the Mughal capital. The market housed more than 1500 businesses, and was divided into four main sections, including the Urdu Bazar, Johri Bazar, and Ashrafi Bazar.

The waters of the Yamuna River flowed through a central canal that was built in middle of the market, giving the bazaar a unique, aesthetic aura.

Why it was named Chandni Chowk?

Initially, the market did not have any particular name and was simply known as Shahjahanabad bazaar, but it was later named ‘Chandni Chowk’, which translates to ‘Moonlight Square’, a reference to the moonlight that once reflected off the Yamuna water flowing through the central canal.

During Shah Jahan’s reign, Chandni Chowk was more than just a market, serving as the preeminent commercial and cultural hub in the Mughal capital. Its shops were arranged in a uniquely specific pattern that reflected the enormous wealth of the Mughal Empire and attracted merchants from across the world, especially from Asia and Europe.

How Chandni Chowk boosted economy in Mughal era?

At its peak, the Chandni Chowk market and its surrounding areas were highly sought after and soon became a posh locality where the wealthy and the affluent of the time resided in their grand mansions. The market significantly boosted trade and economy in Delhi as its wide-range of goods attracted merchants from all corners of the world.

Today, Chandni Chowk remains a major commercial center in Delhi, but the bazaar has all but lost its past grandeur, with narrow, crowded lanes and overpopulation.