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Indian markets are a different world on their own. It's always been the locus of celebrations, everyday lives, trade, and much more. Even though malls have sprouted in every big or small city and online shopping has boomed—the bazaars and haats continue to reign. Luckily, even with malls' popularity, many markets with a historical lineage are still flourishing. Here's a list of some of the oldest markets in India where you can satisfy the shopaholic in you.
The market has its roots in the Mughal era—it was established in the 17th century by emperor Shah Jahan's favourite daughter, Jahanara. A pool was installed in the middle of the square-shaped bazaar, lit up by the moon's reflection—this inspired the market's name. Another feature that is considered to have contributed to its name is that the market was also known as "Silver Street" due to the well-known silver merchants.
Even though the Ghantaghar or the clock tower has replaced the pool, the architecture has largely been retained. Franchises of major brands have opened up alongside local shops selling more modern goods.
Chandni Chowk is as well-known for its food, so make sure you try out parathe from Parathe Wali Gali, jalebi from Old Famous Jalebi Wala and kachoris from Jang Bahadur Kachori Wala.
Must buy: Silver jewellery from Dariba Kalan Spices from Khari Baoli Textiles from Kinari Bazaar
Spread over 2 km and with over 400 shops, in Johari Bazaar, you could find everything quintessentially Rajasthani like bandhani and lehariya sarees, mojris, Jaipuri block-print textile and home furnishings, polki and silver jewellery, and the list goes on. Although there is no information about when it was established, it is considered one of the oldest markets in Jaipur. Situated in the old part of the pink city, it is still a flourishing landmark and the perfect place for some retail therapy. While here, grab a bite of sweets and Kachori from LMB and Dal Baati at Santosh Bhojnalaya.
Must buy: Silver or Polki jewellery, lacquer bangles, Jaipuri block print textiles
If you love antiques and delicately embroidered clothes, then Jew Street is heaven. It is a small market running along a few narrow lanes, set up by the Jewish who immigrated to Kochi in the 16th century. The streets are lined with shops selling antiques, clothes and spices on either side - the main attraction is the world's largest bronze vessel or uruli that you will find displayed in a shop named 'Crafters'.
Although there are only two Jews left in the locality, the buildings still bear marks of their past. However, most inhabitants running the shops here come from the disappearing line of Jews.
Must buy: Spices Embroidered handkerchiefs and clothes from Sarah's Hand Embroidery
Kannauj is famously known as India's perfume capital, and this market is a testament to that. Lined by some of the oldest perfume houses in Attar Bazaar, you can get your hands on some of the finest and most exotic fragrance concoctions. The sellers here are known to have mastered the age-old traditions of distilling perfumes, which is why it is flanked by many international traders supplying international brands.
Must buy: Attar or Ittr (fragrances like musk and rose are massive hits).
The market, which is now thronged by every Calcuttan, was planned and established only to serve the Britishers in 1874. Only the blue-blooded residents of the city were allowed to visit. The architecture, especially the iconic clock tower, has been preserved and remains a reminder of the city's colonial past. Now, the market is open to all - shoppers from across the city and country come here to experience its uniqueness. There's very little chance that you won't be able to find what you're looking for - from toys and clothes to electrical appliances, the shopping complex houses it all. It is also home to a 120-year-old bakery, Nahoum's and Sons, which serves decadent plum cakes and rum balls.
