|
|
 |
|
 |
Daryaganj |
|
| The busy locality of Daryaganj, near the Delhi
Gate of Shahjahanbad, is known for its unique feature, a very
distinct style of architecture prevalent at the turn of the
century. The influence of modern European architecture is quite
prominent in the buildings of the area. They have mouldings
on the façade, circular pilasters (columns), semi-circular
arches and were designed in such a manner as to encounter the
'riot of light' (heat) as well as the chilly winter of Delhi.
Fireplaces can be found in most houses and they are large and
spacious with lots of space to breathe. However, prior to the
British, the area served as a small open market place for the
citizens of Shahjahanbad. It came to be known as Daryaganj (Darya-river,
ganj-market) because the River Yamuna used to flow near it.
|
| Today, after so many centuries, Daryaganj is
still a market but now an overpopulated busy and congested one.
Today it has the offices of some of the most well known distributors,
publication houses and organizations of the country apart from
good Indian restaurants and shops selling different kinds of
items. Golcha, one of the oldest cinema halls of the capital,
Delhi Book Store, said to be the Asia's largest medical bookshop,
Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) Restaurant widely acknowledged for
its Mughlai dishes and Lahore Music House (reputed for dealing
in musical instruments) are few of the popular destinations,
which can be explored on the streets of Daryaganj. |
|
| Daryaganj Old Book Market |
| Apart from these living artefacts, Daryaganj
at present is extremely popular for its thriving old book bazaar
where book lovers and students come from various parts of the
country to purchase books at throw away prices every Sunday.
Stretching over a kilometer on the pavements of Daryaganj and
a source of income for about 200 pavement booksellers, this
interesting book bazaar is a special feature of the area for
the past three decades. A patient buyer never returns disappointed
from here as he will definitely spot some interesting book among
the piles of secondhand books, periodicals and magazines. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
