Have you heard of Delhi's 'Namak Haram ki Haveli'?
Have you heard of Delhi's 'Namak Haram ki Haveli'?
You must have walked through the busy streets of Old Delhi and seen many old houses and buildings that remind us of the Mughal times and British rule. But have you ever heard of a place called 'Namak Haram Ki Haveli'? Today, we will give a tour of this haveli, which exists in Delhi's Chandni Chowk.
Yes, hidden within the heart of Chandni Chowk, this 'Namak Haram Ki Haveli' is famous for its unusual name. But have you ever wondered why it's called 'Namak Haram Ki Haveli'? Let's explore the story behind this unusual title.
Namak Haram Ki Haveli is located in Kucha Ghasi Ram Gali of Chandni Chowk in Delhi. This mansion stands as a silent witness to a tale of betrayal and lost honour. The name itself, 'Namak Haram', meaning 'traitor', sparks curiosity. Why would a haveli carry such title?
3/7Image Source : Namak Haram ki Haveli, Delhi, Chandni Ch
The story of 'Namak Haram Ki Haveli' is related to the 19th century, when British rule was dominant in the country. The mansion was given the unusual title because of its owner, Bhavani Shankar Khatri, who sided with the British in the early 19th century.
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Khatri was once a loyal associate of Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar of Indore. However, he gave intelligence information about Holkar and the Maratha army to the British. This act of disloyalty deeply angered the people, and Khatri came to be seen as a 'Namak Haram'. Since then, his mansion in Chandni Chowk has carried the infamous name 'Namak Haram Ki Haveli'.
5/7Image Source : Namak Haram ki Haveli, Delhi, Chandni Ch
This story dates back to the 18th century, when a battle unfolded between Maratha leader Yashwant Rao Holkar and the British in the Patparganj area near Delhi in 1803. Khatri sided with the British in this battle, due to which the Maratha army had to face defeat. The British were pleased with Bhavani Shankar Khatri's betrayal and rewarded him with a magnificent mansion in Chandni Chowk.
During the 1857 freedom struggle, when the people of Delhi rose against the British, this mansion was given the name 'Namak Haram Ki Haveli'. Even today, the haveli reminds people of that dark time in history. Its name still brings to mind the story of betrayal that people in Old Delhi have not forgotten.
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Even today, many tenants live in this mansion located, and some of them have been there for decades. Interestingly, the rent they pay is very low, reportedly just Rs five to ten. Namak Haram Ki Haveli is an important part of Old Delhi's identity. It's not just a piece of old architecture, but also a reminder of a dark chapter in history.
