In the days of the freedom struggle, the Clock Tower was the center of public meetings and demonstrations. In 1919, the protesters under the leadership of Swami Shraddhanand faced the bayonets of the British Army against the oppressive Rowlatt Act. During the period of the freedom movement, when the Congress was declared an illegal party, a special session of Congress was held here in 1930 under the chairmanship of Seth Ranchoddas Amrutlal, in which 500 delegates participated even after imposing all the restrictions by the government. Taken, the annual report was read, and before that five resolutions were passed to detain the representatives of the police. This convention lasted only five minutes and 800 people were taken prisoner from this place.

(English translation by Google Translate)

यह चौक शाहजहानाबाद शहर का एक महत्वपूर्ण स्थल था, जिसकी स्थापना १७वी शताब्दी के मध्य में हुई थी | चौक अष्टकोणीय था और उसके बीचोबीच एक ताल था | ताल के जल मैं चांदनी प्रतिबिंबित होती थी जिसके कारण इस चौक का नाम चांदनी चौक पड़ा | यहाँ स्तिथ दुकानों में उच्च कोटि की वस्तुएं जैसे कपडे, हथियार, चीनी-मिटटी और कांच की वस्तुओं की बिक्री होती थी | यह चौक अपने कहवाख़ानों के लिए भी जाना जाता था, जहा आज कल की ही तरह लोग बैठ कर कॉफ़ी का मज़ा लेते थे | दक्षिण की और एक हमाम या सार्वजनिक स्नानागार भी था | उत्तर की और, शाहजहां की पुर्त्री जहाँआरा द्वारा बनवाई गई एक बड़ी सराय थी, जहाँ शहर में आने वाले अमीर व्यापारी रहते थे |

१८५७ के विद्रोह के बाद चौक बहुत बदल गया | अंग्रेज़ो ने शाही सम्पतियों को जबत करके सराय और हमाम जैसे कई इमारतो को ध्वस्त कर दिया | सराय के स्थान पर एक टाउन हाल बनाया गया और एक नई सड़क, जिसका नाम ही नई सड़क हो गया | चौक के बीच में घंटाघर का निर्माण किया गया था, लेकिन १९५१ में यह ढह गया | २०वी सदी के आरम्भ में चांदनी चौक में एक ट्राम शुरू की गई, लेकिन १९६० के दशक में इसे बंद कर दिया गया था |

(Source: Display Board)

This square was an important site of the city of Shahjahanabad, which was established/founded in the middle of the 17th century. The square was octagonal and had a pool in the middle. The moonlight was reflected in the water of the pool, due to which this square was named Chandni Chowk. The shops located here used to sell high-quality items like clothes, weapons, porcelain, and glass items. This square was also known for its Kahwakhanas, where people used to sit and enjoy coffee just like today. To the south, there was also a hammam or public bath. To the north, there was a large inn built by Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara, where the wealthy merchants who came to the city lived.

After the revolt of 1857, the square changed a lot. The British confiscated the royal properties and demolished many buildings like Sarai and Hamam. In place of the inn, a town hall was built and a new road, the name of which became the new road (नई सड़क). The clock tower was built in the middle of the square, but it collapsed in 1951. A tram was introduced in Chandni Chowk in the early 20th century but was discontinued in the 1960s.

(English translation by Google Translate)

A little further (towards Fatehpuri Masjid) from 300-year-old Shahi Sunheri Masjid (left-hand side), you will find Bishan Swaroop Chaat on the right-hand side.

I wasn’t hungry to have Chaat, but I was happy to notice a display board proudly stating – At your service since 1920.

Upon query, I was told that it was started by Nallu or Lallu Ram – not sure – famous for potato (आलू ) and fruits chaat.

Rate List as follows:

Mix Fruit Chaat – Rs. 50

आलू (potato) Chaat – Rs. 50

Fruit & Fruit – Rs. 80

शकरकंदी Chaat (sweet potato chaat) – Rs. 60

आलू (potato) छोले (chickpeas) Chaat – Rs. 60

आलू (potato) कचालू – Rs. 60

I wish such iconic eateries, especially those existing before independence, to date should get a heritage tag and support from State/Central government. What say? The journey continues..

The Mosque located near Kotwali Chabutra stands on a 2.1 m. high platform with shops on the ground floor. It is built by Nawab Raushan-u-daulah during the reign of Muhammad Shah in 1721 (Hijri 1134). It was from here, after defeating the Mughal ruler Muhammad Shah the Persian king Nadir Shah watched the massacre of the citizens of Delhi on 11th March 1737 that left the streets littered with corpses.

The domes of the mosque are covered with gilded copper while a narrow staircase leads to the main court with the main prayer hall. The Kalash of the dome which collapsed earlier was replaced by Raushan-u-daulah from another Mosque that belonged to him. This hall is shaded by a deep verandah supported on iron columns with a sandstone roof and has 3 arches leading to 3 domed compartments.

(Source: Display Board)

Shahi Sunheri Masjid is situated on the left-hand side next to Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib at Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.

This photo was taken at Bhai Mati Das Chowk, which is opposite Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib at Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.

9th November, 1675 is the martyrdom day when three Sikh disciples (Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Jee) of Guru Teg Bahadur were martyred at this location for defying the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb.

History of Bhai Mati Das Chowk

This monument in the form of a fountain reminds us of three Sikh martyrs named Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Jee, out of five disciples who came here along with Guru Teg Bahadur. Before the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, these three disciples were martyred at this place for defying the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb.

The fountain is ornamented with colonial elements is about 3 meters in height. There is a Sikh Museum near this fountain.

(Source: Display Board)

This photo was taken at Langar of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib at Chandni Chowk Road, Old Delhi.

9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib on 11th November 1675 on the order of Aurangzeb – The Mughal emperor.

(English translation)

Mera Sikhi Sidak Na Dole means one shouldn’t deviate from the teachings, values, of Sikhi even if one has to lay off one’s life.