Jahanara Begum: The Visionary Behind Chandni Chowk
The heart of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, was designed by Mughal princess Jahanara Begum.Jahanara was not just a princess but a patron of architecture and urban planning—her influence shaped one of India’s most iconic heritage sites. She envisioned this grand marketplace in the 17th century as a center of culture, trade, and elegance.
Named after the “moonlight reflection” on its central canal, Chandni Chowk was once lined with shimmering water, magnificent havelis, and vibrant bazaars. The central canal of Chandni Chowk originally ran along the middle of the street, aligning with the present-day main road that stretches from Lahori Gate of the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid.The canal flowed down the center of what is now the broad road of Chandni Chowk, dividing the market into two halves.The famous Clock Tower (Ghantaghar), which once stood near Town Hall, was close to this canal.The Chandni Chowk Square, near the Sunehri Masjid, was a focal point where the canal widened, creating a reflecting pool that inspired the name Chandni Chowk (Moonlit Square).The canal was covered and removed in the 19th century by the British during road expansions.
Though time has transformed its landscape, the echoes of history still whisper through its narrow lanes, historic mansions, and legendary eateries. Chandni Chowk remains a living testament to India’s rich past.
Heritage of Her Series Posts on Connect
- Heritage of Her: A Heritage Walk to Raushanara Garden, Delhi
- Heritage of Her: Fatehpuri Maszid, Chandani Chauk, Delhi
- Heritage of Her: Chandani Chauk, Delhi, India
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Nice and informative post @K.K.Sharma
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If that is the case, I would give JahanAra Begum 2/10 since the Chadani Chowk is a road full of chaos.
The path from the Red Fort to the Fatehpuri Masjid is an unpleasant experience full of small bylanes, indiscipline and lack of any order or civic sense.
The Tactile map is a nice photo - I never saw this during my several visits here @K.K.Sharma Ji.
I am loving this series of heritage places in Delhi. Looking forward to the next episode.
Meanwhile, here is my latest visit to the Chandani Chowk with @Raj_Tayade last year
Also, when you get time, please visit the Mirza Ghalib Museum.
Museum #8 on Delhi Metro Yellow Line - Mirza Galib Museum
And the Bhai Matidas Museum. also in Chandani Chowk - opposite the Gurudwara.
Bhai Matidas Museum
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Indeed Chandni Chowk was a beautifully laid out market place which would have grabbed everyone’s attention back in those days. I have read a lot about Jahan Ara Begum, she was a devout daughter, a loyal sister and an amazing visionary. After Shah Jahan’s imprisonment by Aurangzeb, she chose to spend the rest of her life taking care of her father. She followed the Chisti sect of Sufism and helped Dara Shikoh to translate many ancient Hindu texts from Sanskrit to Urdu. Upon her wish she is buried in a simple grave in the Nizamuddin Dargah complex. Apart from Chandni Chowk, she is also credited with designing the Jama Masjid in Agra.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures @K.K.Sharma ji
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I agree with you @TusharSuradkar sir. Now, most of the bylanes of Chandni Chowk are congested and even dirty, making it difficult to even walk sometimes. I have been to Old Delhi many times and on different times of the day and nothing much changes. But I feel there’s order in chaos here as well, there is Dilli ki Dhadkan in these streets even if dirty. There’s something about this place which makes us want to visit, just to know how it was in the days before British Imperialism started.
You would be surprised to know that when Chandni Chowk was created and until the mid 18th Century, it was a place where Trade, Culture and education thrived. I was also unaware about this, until I read A Firestorm in Paradise by Rana Safvi. It’s a vivid novel based on the ways of locals and princes of the Mughal empire when Britishers ruled most of the country. It has a vivid description of Chandni Chowk. Do give it a read whenever you get time.
I’m yet to visit the Bhai Matidas Museum, thank you for sharing another new place which is now added to my bucket list 
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Agree with you @Ssiddharth2000
Chandani Chowk is the most adorable place in Delhi.
And I was joking about Jahan Ara - that was a different period.
It may sound romantic, but ‘order in chaos’ is a “consolation to ourselves”.
Chaos is created by indiscipline and neglect of civic sense.
Indiscipline cannot be tolerated 
There are many places more crowded than Chandani Chowk but they were orderly and yet enjoable.
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Yes I agree, hoping for a more enjoyable experience in visiting this place in the near future 
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