Meena Bazaar Information :

Location:Just below the massive stairs on the Eastern end of Jama Masjid facing towards Red Fort
Famous for: Dhabas and food stalls serving Indian non-vegetarians delicacies
Open: On all days, except on Sunday
Preferred timings: 11.30 am to 6.00 pm
Admission: Free and open to all.
Nearest Railway Station: Old Delhi Railway Station
Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar
Functional Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar
Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Time required for sightseeing: 30 minutes

Meena Bazaar in Delhi :

Bazaars in 17th century India were normally in the open air. A covered bazaar although of a design common to West Asia, was an innovation in India. Shah Jahan had heard about the arcade in Isfahan, and it seems that the notion of a covered bazaar, stimulated to him by the one he saw in Peshawar in 1646. He instructed Mukarmat Khan who was supervising the construction of the Red Fort, to build a similar covered market there. Shah Jahan was greatly impressed as its design was suitable for the hot climate of Delhi.

Presently known as 'Chhatta Chowk Bazaar' or 'Meena Bazaar' , this bazaar earlier was known as 'Bazaar-i-Musaqqaf' (the market with 'saqaf' means roof) or 'Chhatta-bazaar' (a roofed market).  Lahori-Gate entrance of the Red fort leads into the shadows of this ' Covered Market' or 'Vaulted Arcade'. Shah Jahan was perhaps impelled by political reasons to position Chhatta Bazaar at the principal ceremonial entrance to the fort, as an appropriate place to exhibit the Mughal Empire's growing wealth, talents and capabilities.
The linearity of this market has formulated a strong longitudinal link and emphasized the straight axis with the Naubat-Khana & Diwan-i-Am. Walking through the Lahori-Gate one immediately enters this covered two storied arcade, with octagonal court in the middle for sunlight & natural ventilation, known as 'Chhattar Manzil' which divided the market into two sections, eastern and western, which have vaulted roofs supported on series of broad arches given at regular interval. Their edges, supported by stone and the intermediary space ( i.e. a vault) bears stalactite (honey comb motifs) in stucco, which has been universally used in Islamic art, structurally as well as ornamentally. As it appears, the whole of the market, in the interior and on the exterior, was originally stuccoed, painted and gilded to give a gorgeous effect. Bazaar on each side contained 32 arched bays that served as shops, just as they do today. The lower cell consisted of two rooms, the front one was possibly used for the actual display and the one at the back for storage, manufacture or business transaction. The upper cells may perhaps have been used for the official transactions related to the commercial function.

300 yrs ago this bazaar catered to the luxury trade of the imperial household, specialized in exquisite carpets, rugs, jajams and shatranjis; takia-namads and quilts; shahtus and pashmina shawls; costumes; velvet pardahs and chiks; embroideries with zari and brocades; and a wide variety silks, woolens, velvets and taffetas which the Mughals used in their daily life; precious stones, exotic jewelry and indigenous ornaments; gold and silver utensils, fine wood and ivory work; brass and copper wares; fine arms and armaments; coloured ganjifas and indoor games; jafran (saffron), kasturi (musk) and other spices; and innumerous other stuff which could not be had even in the adjoining Chandani Chowk market, and it was privilege of the king that this rare and precious things were available only in the 'Fort market' for their exclusive choice.

Shopping at Meena Bazaar in Delhi : 

Delhi is known for being home to a host of exotic shops. Shopping in Delhi is undoubtedly a unique experience. Most of the shops in Delhi represent magnificent handicrafts belonging to every Indian state. Goods are available at affordable rates. In the recent past the shops in Delhi have undergone a major transition catering to more cosmopolitan population. Delhi was a major centre of trade in the medieval era. Many of the localities are remains of the medieval period and have been well absorbed into the emerging metropolis. For tourists thronging the capital city, shopping ranks high on their priority list. Tourists can choose from a wide range of items like carpets, silks, jewellery, leather and silver ware, handicrafts and handprinted cotton. The items have varying range of prices. Shops galore in Delhi record an extensive footfall every year. Meena Bazaar in Delhi is a spectacular marketplace. The Bazaar was built in the 1970’s. Shopping at Meena Bazaar is a delightful experience.

Special Feature:

Dhabas and food stalls serving yummy Indian non-vegetarian delicaies.

How to Reach:

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar

Nearest Railway Station: Old Delhi Railway Station

Open: On all days, except on Sunday, between 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.