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Chandi Chowk's rustic charm prompts one to embark on the journey of unravelling its secrets. The century-old buildings that now stand dilapidated have a story to tell. Famous for its Havelis, Chandni Chowk inhabits a mansion named Namak Haram ki Haveli. Unbeknownst to indifferent gazes, this mansion echoes the woes of betrayal and treachery.
Story of an old Delhi Haveli
We all are familiar with the phrase Namak Haram, which translates to designating a person as unfaithful, followed by an act of betrayal. The owner of Namak Haram ki Haveli, Bhawani Shankar Khatri, was immortalised on the black pages of history for his disloyal actions.
Khatri was a warrior who served under the reign of the Maratha ruler, Yashwant Rao Holkar. Holkar's initial neutral stance during the beginning of the Second Anglo-Maratha War irked the British imperialist plans of snagging his territory.
After the defeat of his contemporary, the Scindias, Holkar was alarmed. His suspicions turned into reality when the British army attacked him quietly. The brave Maratha ruler was known for his military prowess, due to which the British advances were reduced to failures.
After winning the Battle of Farrukhabad in 1804, Yashwant Rao rejoiced in the glory of securing the territory of Bharatpur.
This, however, did not sit well with the British administration. And that's when, much to Yashwant Rao's dismay, the British army hatched a ploy to conquer the Maratha empire swiftly.
With renewed energy, the British army attacked Deeg in 1805, which later became the Battle of Bharatpur. Despite the brave front that Yashwant Rao put up, he was defeated and had to submit under the British flag. All of this happened because Bhawani Shankar Khatri and Amir Khan Pindari turned their backs on their motherland. Siding with the British flag, they revealed the plan of action of the Maratha army to General Lake, the commanding officer of the British forces.
As a reward for Khatri's loyalty, the British administration gifted him a jagir or estate in Delhi. Bhawani Shankar Khatri thus built the mansion of his dreams at the cost of exploiting his nation. A Haveli that was supposed to become a status symbol for an affluent Khatri ultimately became a living monument of his deceit.
And that's how Khatri's residence came to be known as Namak Haram ki Haveli. His infidelity continues to find its place in contemporary legends. For all those who are familiar with his story, never forget to exclaim, 'that's the traitor's house!'
Now you know where to find the ruins of this Haveli. Do not forget to add it to your itinerary whenever you plan to explore the lanes of Delhi 6.
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