History: The market owes its inception to the vision of the British Raj, which sought to create in New Delhi a commercial and administrative centre that would rival European capitals. Named after Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, the market was designed by architect Robert Tor Russell, assisted by W.H. Nicholls. Construction began in 1929 and was completed in 1933, forming part of Sir Edwin Lutyens’ grand plan for the new capital of India. Sir Sobha Singh, father of famous writer Khushwant Singh, was the primary contractor responsible for constructing Connaught Place. At its heart, CP was conceived as a gathering place for the colonial elite, echoing the Georgian architecture of Bath’s Royal Crescent. Over the decades, however, it has evolved into one of the busiest marketplaces in Asia, where luxury boutiques, flagship brands, vintage shops, street stalls, and cultural hubs coexist in extraordinary harmony.
Architecture: The architecture of Connaught Place remains one of its most distinctive attractions. Built in the classical Georgian style, its concentric design consists of two circular arcades: the Inner Circle (Rajiv Chowk) and the Outer Circle (Indira Chowk), linked by radial roads. The colonnaded corridors, constructed in white plastered masonry, lend it both elegance and utility, offering shaded walkways ideal for Delhi’s hot summers. Measuring over half a kilometre in diameter, CP was once the largest commercial hub of its kind in India. Its symmetry, broad avenues, and open spaces contrast strikingly with the crowded bazaars of Old Delhi, symbolising the architectural shift from Mughal grandeur to colonial classicism.
Shopping: What makes Connaught Place market an unparalleled shopping destination is its astonishing diversity. Luxury global brands stand shoulder-to-shoulder with age-old Indian establishments, making it as much a window into Delhi’s heritage as into its modern consumer culture. One may stroll into Cottage Emporium for exquisite Indian handicrafts, browse the elegant shelves of bookstores like Oxford, or explore street-side vendors selling everything from trinkets to fashionable apparel. The underground Palika Bazaar, developed in the 1970s, remains a bustling labyrinth for electronic goods, garments, and souvenirs at bargain prices. Equally celebrated are the culinary delights of Connaught Place. From legendary eateries such as United Coffee House and Wenger’s, which preserve colonial-era flavours, to chic rooftop cafés and international fine-dining restaurants, CP caters to every palate. Street food enthusiasts too find their paradise here, with vendors offering spicy chaats, kebabs, and kulfi.
Significance: Connaught Place is more than a marketplace; it is a cultural landmark of Delhi. Its central location makes it a natural meeting point, with Rajiv Chowk Metro Station beneath it serving as one of the busiest interchanges of the Delhi Metro. It is the site where business professionals, students, shoppers, and tourists alike converge, embodying the diversity of the capital city. Moreover, CP remains a hub for art, literature, and performance. The nearby National School of Drama, Jantar Mantar, and Hanuman Temple enrich the cultural fabric of the area. On weekends, its central park often comes alive with music, yoga sessions, and festivals, reaffirming its role as the beating heart of Delhi.
Though nearly a century old, Connaught Place has never lost its vitality. Restoration projects undertaken by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and heritage bodies have preserved its whitewashed façades and colonnades, while modern additions such as multiplexes, rooftop lounges, and global franchises keep it in step with the twenty-first century. Despite its modernisation, CP retains its nostalgic charm. Many Delhiites recall childhood evenings spent under its arcades, shopping at Janpath, or enjoying ice creams in Central Park. For visitors, it is an essential stop on any Delhi tour, offering not only shopping but also a glimpse into the evolution of the city itself.
The story of Connaught Place Market is the story of New Delhi – a tale of transformation from colonial capital to modern metropolis. Its grand arcades, once a promenade for the British elite, now echo with the footsteps of millions from every walk of life. Here, the past converses with the present; heritage intertwines with innovation. For the traveller, CP is not merely a shopping district but a destination in itself: a historical landmark, an architectural gem, a cultural hub, and the commercial soul of Delhi. Whether to experience its fine Georgian architecture, indulge in shopping and gastronomy, or simply soak in its vibrant energy, Connaught Place remains an enduring jewel in the crown of India’s capital.