How Delhi City's Street Names Reveal Its Forgotten History

India.com

27-05-2025

India's capital, Delhi, is a city that showcases its history on its street signs. Each street sign offers a glimpse into what the Mughals, ancient empires, and freedom fighters have left behind. Hence, the street signs here tell a partial history of this megacity.
A more detailed description would explain how the city was built layer by layer. Chandni Chowk, located in the modern part of Old Delhi, is a Chowk (market) that was the heart of the Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad, built by Shah Jahan in the year 1639. The name 'Chandni Chowk' in english would mean ' Moonlit Square' a marketplace that sold lanterns during the peak of Mughal civilization.
Points of interest like Lodi Colony and Nizamuddin share a common trait of drawing their names from people of significance or particular dynasties. The Lodi Colony bears the name of the Lodhi dynasty, which governed regions in the northern parts of India before the rise of the Mughals. Meanwhile, Nizamuddin is in reference to a greatly esteemed Sufi saint known as Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, whose dargah continues to be a source of great reverence from people of all religions and socio-economic factors. These names, bearing the memories of great saints and rulers, also showcase the great mix of religions and cultures that have existed in harmony in Delhi for many centuries.
British Colonial Heritage: Street Names
But, when the British East India Company started capturing major parts of India in the 18th and 19th centuries, their primary goal was to impose their culture and identity onto the subcontinent. These included the changing of numerous streets and landmarks in favor of British decorum by naming them after prominent English monarchs, officials, and military officers. The iconic commercial center of Delhi, Connaught Place, was in honor of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn who made a visit to India in the early 20th century. In the same manner, streets with names like Curzon Road (now Kasturba Gandhi Marg) showed loyalty to his Lordship Curzon, who had once been the Viceroy of India and is infamous for his administrative policies along with the partition of Bengal.
Postcolonial India began the process of shedding its colonial past by altering the names of roads and areas associated with colonial rule. Those roads that were named by the British were renamed after Indian leaders and other prominent figures who contributed to the independence. For example, during British rule, one of the major avenues was called Kingsway. After independence, it was changed to Rajpath showcasing sovereignty of the Republic of India. Such examples explain the change in identity of a nation and power and why politics is instilled into everything.
Celebrating Legends: Roads Named After Visionaries and Freedom Fighters
A discussion on the nomenclature of the roads of Delhi cannot be had without giving credit to those who lost their lives for the sake of the freedom of the country. Roads like Netaji Subhash Marg, Bhagat Singh Marg and Ashoka Road are named after the revolutionary leaders whose contributions towards achieving independence is unforgettable. Each name is a reminder of the sacrifices made and the victories garnered through the efforts in achieving self-rule.
Even the relatively unknown heroes are acknowledged in the urban sprawl of Delhi. One example is the name Chittaranjan Park which gets its name from Mr. Chittaranjan Das who was a famous lawyer and politician and an important part of the Non Cooperation Movement. Another example is Kamla Nehru Ridge which gets it's name after the wife of Mr Nehru who was a social worker, though, she is most known for being the wife of one of the most famous leaders of India. By these people being given the honored of street names, their narratives are kept alive and fresh in the minds of people.
Cultural Tapestry: Celebrating Diversity Through Names
Delhi has remained a fusion of multiple cultures, religions, and traditions, and this is evident in the varied street names. Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj and ,St. James Church Road are some names that emphasize the multi faith character of the city as people from different religions have coexisted peacefully. In Old Delhi, vibrant markets like Matia Mahal Bazaar and Paranthe Wali Gali manifest the unique culinary traditions of the region, encapsulating the lifestyle of the common people.
In addition, 'Rabindra Marg' honors Rabindranath Tagore, India's first Nobel Laureate, while 'Sansad Marg' (Parliament Street) refers to the core values that nourish a nation's governance. Rabindra and Sansad Marg, as well as other streets, show reader how Delhi takes pride in great intellectual works and prides itself on political accomplishments too. These names show how Delhi's intellectual pursuits are blended with its political achievements.
Forgotten Corners: Unearthing Hidden Histories
While certain monikers of streets and roads boast of their historical anecdotes, some remain anonymously mysterious. Some alleys and bylanes can be referred to as forgotten due to their linkages to people and events which no longer exist. These streets are like a treasure hunt for Delhi's history that is slowly being buried and lost in time.
Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in Asia is said to be derived from a stepwell ('baoli') nearby which had salt water in it ('Khari'). Even though the original baoli does not exist anymore this is a great example of how the memory lives on in the name and connects contemporary traders to when settlements were customary for water sources. These times are so intertwined, just like the name Daryaganj, a colorful book bazaar today was once regarded as part of the darya, or river bed of Yamuna. This is another example of how people shaped geography and cities over years.
Conclusion: Streets as Living Archives
To sum up, the street names in Delhi are like living archives as they retain bits and pieces of history in today's rather chaotic world. From the empires and freedom fighters to the common man, every name renders a different perspective towards history and complements the narrative of this complex city. With every modification and development that happens in Delhi, new facets are bound to be added to its streets. But those old names will remain, echoing stories of the past for those who wish to hear them.
Therefore, the next time you find yourself walking around the streets of Delhi, make sure you give a glance to the signboard. One may be fortunate enough to find a piece of history that is waiting to unveil its unspoken truths.