This photograph, captured by Jiwan Das, a photographer in Delhi, shows the crowds at the opening of the sparkling new Gaffar Market in 1962.
The market was allotted to refugee traders and business men from Partitioned Pakistan. The event was celebrated with much fanfare. The procession included horsemen, drum rolls, dancing and music.
The market, named after the famous political worker Ghaffar Khan, went on to become one of the most famous landmarks in Delhi. At one time it was a single storeyed market and sold jewellery, crockery, garments and important wares for the home. People flocked to Gaffar to buy their goods. Today the market is best known for selling latest technology (imitated or as real brands) like mobile phones, electronics and PC computers at wholesale prices.
Jiwan Das, who captured this photograph, was born in 1899 in Lyallpur, now Faisalabad in Pakistan. In 1914, he opened a camera and watch repair shop. His photography included portraits of British officers, lawmakers and group photographs from Lahore College and Camp College. He was also an expert hand colourist of photographs.
In early 1948, Das and his family migrated to Haridwar in India. Later, he decided to move to Delhi and opened a photography shop on 2878, Hardhyan Singh Road in Karol Bagh (originally called Carol Gardens). The shop was named Jiwan Das and Sons, Photographers and Dealers. The photography business dealt with portraits, group and family photographs and survives to this day.
The market was allotted to refugee traders and business men from Partitioned Pakistan. The event was celebrated with much fanfare. The procession included horsemen, drum rolls, dancing and music.
The market, named after the famous political worker Ghaffar Khan, went on to become one of the most famous landmarks in Delhi. At one time it was a single storeyed market and sold jewellery, crockery, garments and important wares for the home. People flocked to Gaffar to buy their goods. Today the market is best known for selling latest technology (imitated or as real brands) like mobile phones, electronics and PC computers at wholesale prices.
Jiwan Das, who captured this photograph, was born in 1899 in Lyallpur, now Faisalabad in Pakistan. In 1914, he opened a camera and watch repair shop. His photography included portraits of British officers, lawmakers and group photographs from Lahore College and Camp College. He was also an expert hand colourist of photographs.
In early 1948, Das and his family migrated to Haridwar in India. Later, he decided to move to Delhi and opened a photography shop on 2878, Hardhyan Singh Road in Karol Bagh (originally called Carol Gardens). The shop was named Jiwan Das and Sons, Photographers and Dealers. The photography business dealt with portraits, group and family photographs and survives to this day.