Chatta Bazaar (Covered Market)

Also called as Chatta Chowk Bazaar or Meena Bazaar
Was previously known as Bazaar-i-Musaqqaf (the market with ‘saqqaf’, means roof)
Emperor Shah Jahan wanted all the amenities in the fort, especially for 100 members of Harem, although he had only 3 wives, including The Lady of Taj – Mumtaaz Mahal
Mughal women usually ventured outside for shopping
Ladies at that time was allowed only one day a week to go shopping, as it was considered a taboo to be shopping when male shoppers were around
Hence, Shah Jahan inspired from Persian Fortresses and Mughal Fort in Peshawar, instructed Mukarmat Khan, who was supervising the construction of Red Fort, to built a covered market
This idea was very suitable as the climate of Delhi was very hot
The bazaar is 2 storied with 230 ft. in length and 13 ft. in width
It has an octagonal court in the center for sunlight and ventilation. called Chattar Manzil

There are 32 arched bays on each side of the bazaar
These are used as Shops
The lower cell consists of two room – a front and a back room
The front is used for Shop displays and Sale counter, the back is used for storage
Nowadays upper cells are used by Army men serving for the protection of the Red Fort
During the Mughal rule, the bazaar had an exquisite collection of goods viz.
- Imperial Household wares
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Pillows
- Quilts
- Pashmina Shawls
- Costumes
- Velvet Curtains
- Embroideries
- Silks
- Wools
- Velvets
- Precious Stones
- Jewellery
- Ornaments
- Gold and Silver Utensils
- Fine Wood and Ivory Work
- Brass and Copper wares
- Fine Arms and Armaments
- Indoor Games
- Spices
These items sold over here were exclusive for Fort Market only, giving an exclusive choice for Harems and Nobles
Nowadays the items sold in this market are souvenirs, eatables and drinks
In 2003, Archeological Survey of India tried to evict the shopkeepers, but the ruling of the High Court of Delhi helped retaining the shop

The Creativity Engine