5 Historic Havelis In Chandni Chowk That Will Take You Back In Time

Among the labyrinthine gullies of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, where emperors once paraded and commoners lived out their daily lives, lie hidden treasures of history and architecture. Just as the legendary poet Mirza Ghalib mused about the streets of Delhi, we find ourselves enchanted by the timeless charm of these 5 Havelis nestled within Chandni Chowk's bustling alleys.

Historic Havelis In Chandni Chowk's

Begum Samru's Palace: A Nautch Girl's Rise to Power , Chandni Chowk

According to Holidify and TripAdvisor, one of Chandni Chowk's most famous bazaars, Bhagirath Palace, was once the haveli of Begum Samru, a Kashmiri nautch girl who led a band of mercenaries and was a close aid of Mughal emperors. Known as Begum Samru's Palace, it's hard to imagine that this dilapidated façade was once a symbol of power and sex, privy to conspiracies and soft whispers between lovers.

Chunnamal ki Haveli: A Merchant's Magnificent Mansion, Chandni Chowk

Holidify and TripAdvisor describe Chunnamal ki Haveli as a mesmerising architectural marvel that once served as a merchant's mansion. With its palatial Belgium mirrors, extravagant architecture, and ornate design, it's no wonder this haveli attracts thousands of tourists every month, eager to experience the culture and traditions of Delhi. The haveli has also served as a film shoot location for Bollywood and Hollywood movies.

Haveli Haider Quli: A Divided Mansion, Chandni Chowk

As per Holidify and TripAdvisor, built in 1916, the Haveli Haider Quli was a large mansion constructed around a central courtyard. Today, it stands divided into shops and homes for many, with its ornamentally carved semi-circular arched gateway and pointed arched windows serving as reminders of its grand past.

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Haveli of Zeenat Mahal: An Empress' Mansion Turned School, Chandni Chowk

Holidify and TripAdvisor state that Bahadur Shah Zafar II, the last Mughal emperor of India, had a special affection for his third wife, Zeenat Mahal. The haveli, constructed on her personal instructions, was once a symbol of her status as the dae facto empress. Today, however, the haveli no longer bears any resemblance to its former glory. Instead, it houses the Zeenat Mahal Girl's School, with adjoining areas divided into shops and other properties, making it almost unrecognisable from its past grandeur.

Haveli of Mirza Ghalib: A Famous Writer's Humble Abode, Chandni Chowk

Set amidst the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, Ghalib ki Haveli introduces visitors to the life of the famous poet Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan, also known as Ghalib. The Mughal-era structure, nearly 300 years old, was gifted to Ghalib by an ardent admirer. It is here that Ghalib spent the last 10 years of his life, and the haveli now serves as a museum showcasing the poet's life and works.

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