Delhi’s famous Chandni Chowk area will soon have a new heritage site in the form of Dharampura Haveli, which will open its doors to travellers soon. It is within two minutes walk from Jama Masjid. Built way back in the 19th century, this haveli, like a lot of others in Old Delhi, had turned into a ruin, until it was restored by former MP and president of Heritage India Foundation (HIF), Vijay Goel and his son Siddhant Goel, with the help of noted architect Kapil Aggarwal.
Haveli’s architecture and design have influences of Mughal, Hindu and European art. In a bid to keep up the originality of this architectural marvel, the raw materials for the restoration process were sourced from various parts of the country.
For instance the cast iron railings, replica of Shahjahani design were made in Jaipur, the entrance wooden door carved in Shekhavati and so on. 50 specialist masons and labourers were hired to work on the exterior and intricate details.
The restoration and conservation efforts took six years which was carried out by BJP MP Vijay Goel. “I was passionate about this and completed it despite countless hurdles that came my way. This journey of restoration needed me to get into the minute details of understanding architectural techniques, and find the appropriate workers to execute the process. Resources were limited and it required professional skill to preserve the irreplaceable character of the structure. But, despite all challenges, the final form of the Haveli gives me immense satisfaction. This is just the beginning and I will continue working on the restoration of other heritage structures in the walled city area. I hope my efforts will encourage others to take up the cause of restoration for other Havelis as well,” Goel said with zeal.
like many others in the Chandni Chowk area, this haveli was on the verge of disintegration. The recent renovation has thrown open a beautifully-restored grand historical structure making way for a great tourist attraction.
The Haveli jewels are not to be missed. It has a lakhori restaurant which provides an old ethnic ambience and desire to bring street food to the table. located on the ground floor, this restaurant provides Chandni Chowk delicacies and rich Mughali cuisine.
The roof-top restaurant offers a stellar view of the Jama Masjid and the Red Fort. The terrace provides a romantic getaway and ideal for a fun summer evening.
The Haveli has a Tijori which the Haveli occupants had constructed as a space to store valuables, protected and sealed. It is located in between Jain temple, New Digambar Jain temple and large and small Jain temples. The area is named ‘Dharampura’ because of the presence of many temples, though the majority community is Jain.
