Dalmandi (meaning Lentil Market), officially known as Hakim Mohammad Jafar Marg is one of the largest markets of Varanasi,[1] spanning from Beniyabagh to Chowk Police Station near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.[2][3] It is located in Purvanchal[3] and is mostly run by Muslims.[4][better source needed]
In the Dalmandi area of Varanasi, merchants historically engaged in the trade of lentils and attended performances by Tawaifs, who performed music and dance in the evenings. Over time, the variety of lentils traded in the area decreased, although the practice of performances by the Tawaifs in the Kothas continued.[5] It is believed, during the British Raj, the strategy to expel the British from India were considered in the Kothas of Rajeshwar Bai, Jaddan Bai and Rasoolan Bai, located in the same area.[6] Ustad Bismillah Khan lived in this area as well.[6][4]
The city plans to demolish around 10,000 shops in Dalmandi to widen the eight ft-wide road to twenty-three ft in order to make the way easier for the devotees going to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This will reduce the distance of the temple from 2.5 km to 1 km.[6][7]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Sethi, Mansi (16 July 2022). "Dalmandi: A Perfect Place for the Shopaholics". Travel Xamp. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- ↑ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Those who come to hear the name of Dal Mandi the biggest market of Purvanchal are often confused". Jagran (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Fatima, Nikhat (28 December 2024). "Dalmandi: The Soul of Banaras Faces a Threat – A Struggle to Preserve Cultural Heritage, Livelihoods and Identity". TwoCircles.net. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- ↑ "The famous Dalmandi, which was made by the British as the 'Dolmandi' of tawaifs". DNA India (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Varanasi: 10,000 shops in Varanasi's Dalmandi market will be demolished, Kashi Vishwanath's road will be widened". Navbharat Times (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- ↑ "10,000 shops to be demolished in Banaras's Dalmandi: Road to be widened, 150 meters away from Vishwanath Corridor, CM eyes project - Varanasi News". Dainik Bhaskar (in हिन्दी). 17 December 2024. Archived from the original on 31 December 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2025.