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| Image Source: Google |
Delhi’s Khari Baoli is Asia’s largest spice market and its journey to this fame has been a long yet an interesting one. It came into being during the 17th century, dating back to the Mughal era. Baoli, literally means a step well, and ‘Khari’ or ‘Khara’ translates to salty, thereby translating the meaning of Khari Baoli to a salty water step well. However, the present status of Khari Baoli is totally the opposite of what it was. You won’t find any trace of water near the so-called area of Khari Baoli, and has now turned into a treasure trove of spices.
Western media has always referred India to be the land of spices, and you can decode the reason by visiting Khari Baoli at least once.
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| Image Source: Google |
It is Asia’s biggest spice market that will allow you to select from a variety of both local and exotic spices. Hundreds of traders and buyers gather in the market for trading spices, and you will be surprised how trade happens here in such an orderly and organised manner.
There, you will even find shops that have still retained the names that have been used since the shops were step up, such as 15 Number ki Dukaan, Chawal Wale 13, and much more. The owners of these shops or the spice trades are now being carried forward by the ninth or tenth generations now. If you wander around this spice market, you will see how each shop spells history.
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| Image source:Google |
The wonder found at Khari Baoli lies inside the small lanes and gullies. But their size is in complete contrast to their business worth. There takes place, a business worth billions in these small congested, hardly a meter wide streets. There is a humungous variety of spices (local and exotic) found here. You will find the shopkeepers giving you a record of the history of the origin of these spices. There are prunes and dried mulberries brought all the way from as far as Afghanistan and also dried plums from Kashmir. The spices in different colours and types, laid out bare, are a treat for the eyes. The air is filled with a rich smell.The market favours both tika and mitha. You can also find khoya ( milk solid), a key ingredient of Indian sweets. The khoya is made in 3 different variants according to the purpose it would be used for. You will also find jaggery, in its different amazing kinds. Another bonus to Khari Baoli is a great variety of jadibotis found here. The ingredients like reetha, shikakai, are easily available here. These work wonders for your hair and skin.
