In the very center of New Delhi, where the most important transport arteries intersect, lies Connaught Place — the main business, commercial, and entertainment hub of the Indian capital. This place, which locals affectionately call simply "CP," has long become a symbol of modern Delhi, while preserving the spirit of the colonial era.
History of Creation: From Wasteland to the City`s Calling Card
The history of Connaught Place began in 1929, when British architects commenced construction of a new business center for the capital of British India. Work was completed in 1933, and the square was named in honor of the Duke of Connaught — Prince Arthur, the third son of Queen Victoria, who visited India in 1921.
Interestingly, it was originally planned to name the square after the Prince of Wales, but his visit was canceled due to ill health, and the honorary mission went to his uncle. Before construction began, this site was a barren, hilly area overgrown with thorny acacias, where jackals and wild boars roamed, and residents of neighboring areas came here to hunt partridges.
Today, the official name of the square is Rajiv Chowk, in memory of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Architecture and Structure: Georgian Style in an Indian Interpretation
Connaught Place is a unique architectural ensemble designed in the form of two concentric circles. Architect Robert Tor Russell, the chief architect of the Government of India, designed the square in 1932, drawing inspiration from the Georgian style and the famous Royal Crescent in the English city of Bath.
The Inner Circle, Middle Circle, and Outer Circle form a system of circular streets, from which radial roads branch out in different directions like the spokes of a wheel. The space between the circles is divided into sectors: from A to F — between the Inner and Middle Circles, and from G to N — between the Middle and Outer Circles. In total, eight radial streets radiate from the square, including the famous Parliament Street.
Originally, a two-story building with a colonnade was envisioned: the ground floor was to house commercial premises, and the upper floor — residential apartments. However, over time, commerce displaced housing, and today both floors are occupied by shops, offices, and restaurants.
Modern Appearance: What is in the Buildings Today
Today, Connaught Place is a noisy, crowded, and vibrant area. The buildings forming the circles house flagship stores of leading global and Indian brands, numerous boutiques and bookstores, restaurants and cafes for every taste — from street food to fine dining establishments, banks, currency exchange offices, and offices of major companies. Also located here are the iconic Regal and Odeon cinemas, where silent films were shown in the 1920s, and today you can still feel the atmosphere of old Delhi.
Beneath the square lies the famous Palika Bazaar underground market — an air-conditioned covered labyrinth with hundreds of small shops selling electronics, clothing, souvenirs, and much more.
The Inner Circle is especially pleasant for strolls — it is always crowded here, music plays, and street vendors ply their trade. The external appearance of the buildings, despite commercial activity, retains its historical character thanks to a restoration program implemented by the New Delhi Municipal Council.
Central Park: The Green Heart of the Square
At the center of the concentric circles lies Central Park — a cozy green oasis that has become a favorite resting place for office workers, students, and tourists. When the weather is good in Delhi, you can see many people enjoying lunch on the grass, reading books, or simply relaxing in the shade of the trees.
The park was completely reconstructed in 2005-2006 after the construction beneath it of the Rajiv Chowk metro station — one of the largest and busiest stations in the Delhi Metro network, where the Yellow and Blue lines intersect.
In the center of the park stands a tall flagpole flying a huge national flag of India — one of the most photographed spots in the square. There is also an amphitheater here, where cultural events, concerts, and festive programs are regularly held.
The park offers well-maintained lawns, fountains, walking paths, and numerous benches where you can escape the city bustle and feel the atmosphere of modern Delhi. For those who want to try street food, you can always find vendors with carts around the park offering fresh snacks and drinks.
Connaught Place is the quintessence of Delhi. An architectural masterpiece of the colonial era, a bustling commercial center, a green oasis, and a cultural venue — all of this merges together in the very heart of the capital. If you want to understand what modern India lives by, start with "CP."
