Saada Sadar!!

As I would call it ,if someone needs to suddenlly get exposed to a visual flip flop Sadar Bazaar is one of the several places which can be visited.It is the largest wholesale market of general merchandise items in Delhi and probably in India.Though there are other Sadar Bazaars mainly in northern Indian towns, Delhi Bazaar is what people are generally aware of. It has many elements which are full of contradictions.It is located near Khari Baoli.Similar to other bazaars in Delhi it is a sea of makind belonging to different strata of society.Its bussling with commercial activity and has the livelihood of close to 2 lakh people attached to it. To count a few you have Wholesalers, Semi-WS, small & big retailers, traders, stockists, labourers manufacturers etc.

I over 2 days had the oppurtunity which in real sense was an information exposure to especially the Stainless steel and plastic WS market.Though my understanding of these 2 categories is far more clear now but to keep aside academic discusions I would not like to pen those findings down here..

There are hardly any 2 lane roads and in most areas and just space to allow 2 bicyclists to pass each other. The district administration it seems is least bothered about encroachments made by shopkeepers of Sadar Bazaar causing considerable hindrance to the smooth flow of traffic. And you would be amazed to see big cars like the latest Audi coupe in the backyard of a manufacturing unit. How it might have entered the vicinity is anybodies guess. Which brings me to the point that it is a place of many contradictions .In a place that appears to be neglected by authorities and people trading; there exist some of the richest traders of the capital.

Interspersed with primarily Muslim population the mélange of elements, which this place throws at you, makes you question as to how is the infrastructure and other things are operational. The various items which are traded here are not only household goods but also other items like Resin, toys, bags, Jute, imitation jewellery, stationery etc. The market can be termed as chaotic but to experience Delhi in its totality.

Though it is also a wholesale market but one can purchase any item in small quantity, which makes the existence of retailer/WS as a common entity. To go back to the history of this place it is important to know that earlier, Sadar Bazaar was a small market mainly catering to the needs of the people of the nearby area but gradually it became one of the known markets of capital for cheap and quality products required in any household.

The history of Sadar Bazaar dates back to the British rule. About 1857, the market used to be on the road where the courts were situated. The English rulers decided to shift the bazaar and gave separate land to the shopkeepers with sufficient financial compensation for constructing the new shops. And thus, the present Sadar Bazaar came into existence about 1860. To a question how it was named Sadar Bazaar, this market, which was considered the main bazaar, was one of the only markets at that time and that was why it was called Sadar Bazaar.

But as it is now, underground and double-storied construction is rampant and maximum use of the limited space is being made. I just hope that it does not lead to any mishap or causality in case of natural disaster as the entire area is cramped up and definitely needs some oxygen in terms of better infrastructure, utilities and regulations. I still feel that in its existing state too it’s a reflection of the Delhi’s history as well as the current overburdened fast paced commercial existence. I think that there is still a lot to explore in these busy lanes of Sadar and if I go again may be I would try and explore the food on offer first which I could not do this time….I