Raja Bazaar: A Living Legacy of Colonial Trade in Rawalpindi

Hamza Rahman Malik

Rawalpindi: Raja Bazaar, with a legacy spanning over 150 years, stands as a testament to Rawalpindi’s vibrant commercial history.

Once the only central trading hub during the British colonial era, the bazaar, named after the Rajput traders of the region, remains a bustling center of commerce today.

However, few among the younger generation are aware of its rich origins and evolution into one of Rawalpindi’s busiest markets.

The bazaar’s unique blend of history and trade is reflected in its distinct socio-economic features, featuring ancient building structures, classical architectural designs, and antique woodwork adorned with intricate grillwork.

Many of these remnants date back to the Sikh rule in Punjab. Narrow streets lined with multi-religious community centers, mosques, temples, historic mansions, havelis, and old shops illustrate the cultural heritage and socio-economic significance of the area.

For centuries, Raja Bazaar has served as the central business hub of the city, housing thousands of wholesale and retail shops. From grocery items to jewelry, clothing, cooking utensils, and electronic appliances, it offers a diverse range of goods.

Abrar Sheikh, General Secretary of Raja Bazaar’s Central Traders Association, describes the bazaar as “a symbol of socio-economic legacy” with connections to both local and international markets. “Standing at Fawara Chowk, you can see marks of ancient civilization towards ‘Dingi Khoi’ on one side and a rich marketplace on the other,” Sheikh explained.

 “Its central location and market linkages are key reasons for its status as the heart of the city, connecting the northern and southern regions of the country.

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Entrepreneurs from Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also prefer Raja Bazaar for their trading ventures, harking back to China’s silk route.”

Sheikh highlighted the bazaar’s unique departmentalized sections, each catering to specific goods: Sarafa Bazaar for jewelry, Kapra Bazaar for clothing, Lakar Bazaar for wooden articles, Urdu Bazaar for books and stationery, and Masala Bazar, among others.

 “Approximately 50% of shops have been converted into small plazas and joint markets, making Raja Bazaar the largest wholesale market in the city,” he noted.

The bazaar’s operations are guided by a constitution established nearly 120 years ago by the late Haji Muhammad Ismael, the founding father of the central traders’ association.

Faisal Shahzad, former Vice President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and current President of the Garments Traders Association, shared that more than 2,500 shops in Raja Bazaar provide employment for thousands of workers.

“Raja Bazaar attracts millions of customers from across Rawalpindi, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, serving as a ‘one-stop market’ offering a range of business, logistics, banking, and dining options.”

The bazaar also features numerous hotels, restaurants, and tea stalls that offer traditional foods, including nihari, fish, soup, lassi, and khoya falooda, catering to seasonal preferences.

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With the expansion of Raja Bazaar, adjacent markets such as City Sadar Road, Bara Market, Iqbal Road, and Moti Bazaar now seem like extensions of the main bazaar.

However, Moti Bazaar retains its unique identity, as Executive Member of the RCCI, Tahir Taj Bhatti, explains. Named after a Hindu merchant, Moti Ram, who built a haveli in 1883 for Hindu widows, it originally served as a shelter and training center.

Today, Moti Bazaar comprises over 1,500 shops offering a diverse range of products.

Other notable markets include Purana Qila, known for wedding attire, and Imperial Market, which specializes in electronics. Unfortunately, the rapid growth of Raja Bazaar and its surrounding areas has resulted in several challenges for traders and residents, including severe traffic congestion, pollution, and a decline in the quality of goods.

“The markets have reached maximum capacity without adequate facilities,” remarked trader Faisal Shahzad. “The continuous traffic jams, along with noise and air pollution, create a chaotic and unhealthy environment for both customers and residents.”

To address these issues, Shahzad advocates for establishing a special economic zone along the new Ring Road to facilitate small traders. He also recommends implementing time management strategies by adjusting market hours to avoid peak congestion.

As an iconic trade center, Raja Bazaar has the potential to transform into a modern commercial hub. With strategic expansion, improved traffic management, the removal of encroachments, and a focus on hygiene, Raja Bazaar can continue to thrive as the heart of Rawalpindi’s commerce.

The feature was released by APP on October 20, 2024.