Traditional markets in India today are like echoes of an old era that still continues to exist. These markets have been an important part of Indian culture, commerce and social life for centuries, through the Mughal and British eras. This is also a place to shop from clothes to jewelry, fruits and vegetables, street food and most of all the beauty of the peaceful life of Indians. Let’s explore traditional markets in India to better understand the people and this beautiful country.
Chandni Chowk, Delhi
Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest markets in India. This bustling market dates back to the 17th century, founded by Mughal Emperor Jahangir and his daughter Jahanara. The shops in this market sell everything from jewelry, perfumes, traditional clothes, spices, antiques, souvenirs to delicious traditional foods.
Devaraja Market, Mysore
Located just off Sayyaji Rao Road in the heart of Mysore, this market has a history dating back to Tipu Sultan’s time. It was expanded to include Chamaraja Wodeyar IX in the late 1800s. In this bustling market, visitors will find all kinds of items such as garlands, incense, spices, household items, fruits and other items. Unique traditional dishes. Along the outer grounds, visitors will find several famous shops specializing in Mysore Pak icons.
New Market, Kolkata
Previously known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market, this market is a long-standing shopping destination located on Lindsay Street. Established in 1874, the market was initially built specifically for the British residents of Calcutta. Today, the market is one of the most popular commercial centers in the city and has more than 2,000 stores selling all kinds of items from clothes to electronics, food, flowers, utensils, leather bags, etc.
Srinagar floating market
The picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar is famous for its bustling floating market. This market becomes extremely special when it operates on the lake by boat, open from 5 am to 7 am every day. Locals gather on the lake in traditional Kashmiri boats, also known as Shikaras to sell fresh fruits and vegetables as well as wood carvings, saffron and local items. Today, many visitors to India see this as a tourist destination. Therefore, this floating market is always crowded with huge crowds gathering here every morning, they often sit on small boats to experience this unique market.
Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad
Located next to Hyderabad’s famous Charminar, Laad Bazaar is a traditional market offering a variety of local products. However, this market is best known for its many types of bracelets, especially stone and glass bracelets. The market is located in a narrow alley, where too many vehicles are not allowed to gather, but is always crowded with tourists and locals.
Ima Keithel, Imphal
Located in the heart of Imphal (the capital of Manipur), Ima Keithel is perhaps the only market in the world run entirely by women. The market dates back to the 16th century and is also known as “mother’s market”. Thousands of female traders sit here and sell everything from local products to clothes, crafts, utensils, etc.
Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
Johari Bazaar in Jaipur is famous for its jewelry and it is not surprising that many locals also call it the jewelry market. The market is located near the historic Hawa Mahal making it the perfect place to explore while traveling to India. Besides jewelry. Visitors will also find plenty of textile shops selling traditional Rajasthani clothing as well as handicrafts.
Chor Bazaar, Mumbai
Once known as Shor Bazaar, this famous market in Mumbai was renamed Chor Bazaar due to mispronunciation by the British colonialists. It is full of stalls selling almost everything like handicrafts, bronze statues, classical grammars, clocks, lamps, furniture, jewellery, Bollywood posters, etc.
Jew Town, Kochi
This market in the Mattancherry area of Kochi dates back to the 16th century. Made up of colonial Portuguese-style buildings and lined with narrow lanes, the shops sell everything from antiques to antiques. , handicrafts, perfumes, jewelry and even spices. Many shop owners also come from Jewish families that have lived here for generations and are often very knowledgeable about the area’s history.
Meena Bazaar, Delhi
Meena Bazaar is considered a part of Chandni Chowk in Delhi, this market was built by the Mughal emperors more than 300 years ago. Located between Jama Masjid Kalan and Dalan, near the Red Fort, this is also a popular place to go wedding shopping as it sells everything from sarees to jewelery – essentials for the big day. .
Flea Markets, Goa
Guatemala’s beaches are famous for their outdoor markets. They were built in the 1980s. The market is full of stalls where both locals and foreigners sell clothes, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs,… all at very cheap prices . Anjuna flea market is open on Wednesdays and Arpora night market is one of the most popular. Additionally, visitors can visit the Mapusa Friday Bazaar, where women from neighboring villages gather to sell homemade products.
