- Daryaganj
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Daryaganj — subdistrict — Coordinates Country India Territory Delhi District(s) Central Delhi Civic agency Municipal Corporation of Delhi Time zone IST (UTC+05:30) Daryaganj, also called Darya Ganj (Hindi: दरियागंज, Urdu: درِیاگںج, Punjabi: ਦਰਿਯਾਗਂਜ, lit. "River Trading Post/Warehouse"), is a neighbourhood of Delhi inside the walled city of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). The "darya" (lit. "River") refers to the river Yamuna which was just outside the walled city. Daryaganj is one of the three subdivisions of Central Delhi District, it started at Delhi Gate, at the edge of Netaji Subash Road, which goes towards Red Fort.
Contents
History
Sunday Book Market, Daryaganj, Delhi.
Historic map of Shahjahanabad (now called Old Delhi), 1863, showing DaryaganjDaryaganj had the original cantonment of Delhi, after 1803, where a native regiment of Delhi garrison was stationed, which was later shifted to Ridge area. East of Daryaganj was Raj ghat Gate of the walled city, opening at Raj Ghat on Yamuna River.[1] The Phool Mandi (Flower Market) of Daryaganj was established around 1869, and even today despite serving a small geographical area, it is of great importance, due to dense population.[2]
As the new capital New Delhi was being built after 1911, Daryaganj along with Paharganj were only two buffer areas between the new city, and older city, which started being called the "walled city" by 1931, with Daryaganj sitting at the edge of the walled city near Dilli Gate.[3]
Daryaganj continues to be a major commercial hub of modern Old Delhi. The district bustles with shoppers from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday is home to India's largest platform market for magazines and second hand books.
Overview
Daryaganj is also famous for its all time favourite markets like the Sunday Book Market or the Kitab Bazaar (book Market) that is held every Sunday on street pavements, (Sunday being weekly holiday for the shops). The market stretches almost for 2 kilometers, and one may find books on virtually any topic, here at throwaway prices.[4]
The former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf was born and used to live in Daryaganj before migrating to Pakistan after the Partition of India in 1947.[5]
Darya Ganj today is quite well known all over the country, thanks to the number of book publishers who have their offices here. Ranging from S. Chand & Co., to Prentice Hall India, to Oxford University Press. Darya Ganj has one major cinema hall called Golcha.
Cuisine
Daryaganj also has what was once the only restaurant of Old Delhi, the Moti Mahal founded by Kundan Lal Gujral,[6] most known for the invention of butter chicken and modern dal makhani.[7] In addition to this, Darya Ganj is known to all Delhiites for the food you can get here. From the Baniyaan of Gupta ji, to Devi ke Kulche, to Pindi ka Dahi, these are a must try for anyone going to Darya Ganj. Of course, you could also hop over to the areas around Jama Masjid, for some delicious Kababs, hether from the roadside stalls, or some of the cooking of establishments like Zalim's.[8]
References
- ^ Fanshawe, p. 67
- ^ Ashok Kumar Jain (2009). Urban transport: planning and management. APH Publishing. p. 176. ISBN 8131304418. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=Ye0fMoARJ2YC&pg=PA176&dq=Darya+Ganj&hl=en&ei=utN0TuWuI4a0rAffyq3AAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CEoQ6AEwBTgK#v=onepage&q=Darya%20Ganj&f=false.
- ^ "A tale of two cities". Hindustan Times. September 01, 2011. http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/newdelhi/A-tale-of-two-cities/Article1-740282.aspx.
- ^ "Delhi- 100 years as the Capital". The Hindu. Feb 01, 2011. http://www.hindu.com/yw/2011/02/01/stories/2011020150210200.htm.
- ^ The life and times of P.Jawahar lal nehru NDTV
- ^ "100 years of Dilli Khana". Business Line. 2011. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/life/article2071297.ece.
- ^ The modern dal makhani was invented by Moti Mahal Vir Sanghvi website.
- ^ Zalims
- H.C. Fanshawe (1998). Delhi, past and present. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 812061318X. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=vJ4HFt5S8CcC&pg=PA67&dq=Daryaganj&hl=en&ei=rtN0To2yKsjNrQfjlYXAAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CE0Q6AEwCDgU#v=onepage&q=Daryaganj&f=false.
Categories:- Neighbourhoods of Delhi
- District subdivisions of Delhi
- Central Delhi district
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