The Chhatta Chowk, also known as the Bazaar-i-Musaqaf (“covered market”), is a significant architectural feature within the Red Fort of Delhi, India. Constructed in the 17th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this market exemplifies the fusion of Iranian and Indian architectural styles. Its design was inspired by a similar covered bazaar in Peshawar, built by Ali Mardan Khan, a prominent Kurdish noble, engineer and son of Ganj Ali Khan who served under both the Safavid and Mughal empires.
Posted by Zagrosian · 24 May 2025
Posted by Zagrosian · 24 May 2025
Ali Mardan Khan was born into a Kurdish family of the Zig tribe and was the son of Ganj Ali Khan, a notable Safavid official. Initially serving as the governor of Qandahar under the Safavid dynasty, Ali Mardan Khan defected to the Mughal Empire in 1638, bringing with him valuable administrative and engineering expertise. Under Emperor Shah Jahan, he was appointed to several high-ranking positions, including the governorships of Kashmir, Lahore, and Kabul. His contributions to Mughal architecture and infrastructure were substantial, including the construction of canals, gardens, and fortifications across the empire.
Posted by Zagrosian · 24 May 2025
Posted by Zagrosian · 24 May 2025
The Chhatta Chowk is situated just beyond the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort and comprises a vaulted arcade with 32 arched bays that once housed shops selling luxury goods such as silk, brocades, and jewelry. The concept of a covered market was relatively novel in Mughal India, where bazaars were typically open-air. Shah Jahan, impressed by the covered bazaar in Peshawar constructed by Ali Mardan Khan, commissioned a similar structure in his new capital, Shahjahanabad (Delhi). The plans for the Peshawar bazaar were sent to Makramat Khan, the supervisor of the Red Fort’s construction, to replicate the design.
Posted by Zagrosian · 24 May 2025
Posted by Zagrosian · 24 May 2025
Today, the Chhatta Chowk remains a prominent feature of the Red Fort, attracting visitors who admire its historical and architectural significance. Ali Mardan Khan’s contributions to Mughal architecture, including the Chhatta Chowk, highlight the diverse cultural influences that shaped India’s historical monuments.
Posted by Zagrosian · 24 May 2025
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhatta_Chowk
Posted by Zagrosian · 24 May 2025
