The Town Hall in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, is a significant colonial-era building with a rich and layered history. Here’s a brief overview.
🏛️ History of the Town Hall, Chandni Chowk
Mughal Roots of the Area
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Chandni Chowk, established in the 17th century by Mughal princess Jahanara Begum , daughter of 5th Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, was originally a grand avenue and marketplace.
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While the Town Hall itself is not from the Mughal era, it sits in the heart of this historic district.
Colonial Construction
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The Town Hall was built during British rule, completed around 1863.
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Originally called the Lawrence Institute, it was named after Sir John Lawrence, the then Viceroy of India.
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It served multiple functions — a municipal office, public library, and even venue for civic events.
Architectural Style
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The structure features Victorian and colonial architecture — with pillars, arches, and a grand façade.
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Made of yellow-painted brick and stone, it was intended to reflect the grandeur and authority of the British administration.
Statue of Queen Victoria
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A statue of Queen Victoria was once placed in front of the building.
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After independence in 1947, it was removed, symbolizing India’s break from colonial rule.
Post-Independence Use
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After 1947, the Town Hall served as the office for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) until it moved to a new location in Civic Centre (Minto Road) in the early 2000s.
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Since then, the building has remained unused and awaits restoration or adaptive reuse.
🏙️ Current Status
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The Town Hall remains a landmark of Old Delhi, though it is now mostly unused and not open to the public.
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There have been talks of restoring it and turning it into a museum or cultural center, but no major redevelopment has happened yet.
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