The history of Khan Market in Delhi

The history behind the establishment of Khan Market, one of the most popular shopping districts of not only Delhi, but all of India.

Khan Market (source: photo captured by Adrita Buragohain)

<p class="ql-align-justify">If you are from or live close to Delhi, you undoubtedly know or heard about Khan Market, one of Delhi's busiest and most well-known retail areas. Khan Market is constantly crowded with people and has everything from bookstores to eateries to brand showrooms and street shopping. It is recognised as one of Delhi's most upscale and elegant shopping destinations, and many people frequently list it as one of their favourite hangout spots.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Khan Market was established in 1951 as a land for the refugees by the newly formed Rehabilitation Ministry of the Republic of India in Central Delhi. It is a sizable market in the form of a parallel 'U' with a few expansions and could hold approximately 74 apartments in addition to 154 stores. In present times, the average rent for bars and restaurants on the first and second floors is anywhere between Rs. 6 and 8.5 lakh, making Khan Market one of the costliest retail sites in India. However, are you aware of a time when a shop's rent was only Rs. 50?</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Following the partition of India in 1947, Khan market was initially set up for those <em>w</em>ho had been displaced or migrated from the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) which is now the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. Refugees flocked to the Delhi in large numbers.&nbsp;The government wanted to provide them some stability.</p><blockquote class="ql-align-justify">The market was given its name in honour of Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan, also known as Dr. Khan Sahib who served as the Chief Minister of NWFP from 1945 to 1947. He is credited for assisting several refugees in safely escaping from NWPF and settling in Delhi. He is the brother of political activist Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, popularly known as Frontier Gandhi.</blockquote><p class="ql-align-justify">Around 74 refugee families had moved to Khan Market in the 50s.&nbsp;At the time, the rent for a 420 sq. ft. shop was a mere Rs. 50 with the shops being later allotted to people for Rs. 6,516 in 1956. The first floors were exclusively residential up until the 1980s, but soon things started to change. Owners started renting out or selling their apartments in Khan Market so they could move into larger spaces.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">As a result, the houses were sold and the conversion to stores began. Only a few families were residing in these two-room apartments by the decade of 2010. At this point, businesses such as stores, eateries, etc. began turning the first floors into commercial space. It has now developed into one of the city's most costly commercial real estate areas. It boasts a large selection of shops, including showrooms for most well-known brands, silver jewellery shops, delicatessens, booksellers, paint and hardware shops, electronics, kitchenware, and fabric stores, all of which coexist with some of the best restaurants.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;In addition, it is well-known for its <em>kebabs, gol gappe</em>, a sort of popular street food. Khan Chacha is one of its most famous stores known for its tikkas and kebab rolls. The market has several bookstores and one of the most iconic stores is the ‘Faqir Chand and Sons’ bookshop which was first set up in Peshawar in 1931 and was shifted to Delhi in 1948 and finally set up in Khan Market in 1951.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Many central government bureaucrats (including some MPs from both houses) as well as well-known personalities like Khushwant Singh reside in this area. Being close to the renowned Lodhi Gardens, it is one of the greenest areas of the city. The India International Centre, the India Habitat Centre, W.H.F.N. headquarters, and other organisations are also nearby. Popular institutions including Sardar Patel Vidyalaya and The Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School are located close to the Khan Market. Cushman &amp; Wakefield ranked Khan Market as the 20th most expensive commercial street in the world in 2019. It is a favourite spot among the diplomatic and expat communities due to its elegance and poshness.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">People who had experienced a life upheaval due to the division found a place to call home in the market's lanes. While it may be a sophisticated and trendy market for some, for many others it is an emotional site related to their past.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p>