Burra Bazaar in Kolkata still has the essence of the erstwhile culture

There are many heritage markets in the city, but Burra Bazaar in Kolkata, being one of the largest wholesale markets in the place, has kept the old charm alive with the shops, lanes, and dilapidated buildings.

The cultural capital of India has a profound historical story centered around the invasions of many foreign rulers. No doubt that these invasions have also resulted in the making of the city. Tracing down the history of the Burra bazaar in Kolkata also suggests the same.

Now, one of the largest wholesale markets in eastern India was once under the control of Bengalis. The pavements would belong to them where they stayed in the mud houses. It is believed that even back in the 1750s, there existed a market that was set on fire by Siraj-ud-Daulah in 1756. However, the market flourished after the settlement of the British in Calcutta.

As the English entered the country to trade, this market became one of their major trade centers along with Radha Bazaar and Old and New China Bazaar. Reportedly, the bazaar sold merchandise, including textiles, Kashmiri shawls, jewellery, precious stones, and hardware. Under the British Empire, the market flourished. It is also said that the market would sell English broadcloth along with cashmere silk, ivory from Ceylon, and cow’s tails from Tibet.

The names of the market have also been a result of various cultural influences. Initially, when Bengalis controlled the market, it was named 'Barobazar,' after Lord Shiva, since 'buro' is a popular name for him. Gradually, with the inclusion of Hindi-speaking locals, the name changed to 'Bara.' There is no definite documentation of the current name of the market; however, it can be taken as the dominance of Bengalis again in the town.

Fast forward to more than a century, Burra Bazaar has maintained its rustic charm with old buildings, old shops, crowded lanes and a few dusted hoardings and banners displaying some old logos and names. Many local merchants here have also not changed; many come from other parts of the city and state.

The most unique part about this place is that the entire market is divided into specific areas or specialized sub-markets. The names of these sub-markets have been kept after the commodities they deal with - Dhotipatti, Fancypatti, Tulapatti, Chinipatti, and more. It continues beyond here as these are even further divided into Katras. Each of the Katras is popular for offering a particular item.

While one can discover all items here, a wide variety of clothes at a dirt-cheap price can surely amaze you. Stroll from amongst the beautiful and colourful lehengas, saris, and other fabrics for weddings and other occasions. Not just the clothes but the soon-to-be-married couples can also visit this place to select from the multiple options of wedding cards.

A large portion of the market has also secured a permanent place for different kinds of papers, along with a dedicated section for stationery lovers. Other than this, hardware shops are also seen, with a few selling raw construction materials. There is no doubt why many large companies prefer to lift the materials from this place.

Those colourful spices also have a good hold in the market, where one finds various shops dealing with a variety of masalas that come in packets. Buyers also buy from those kept openly in sacks. Not just masalas, the lanes of Burra market also deal with various packed food items in both sweet and bitter flavours.

Toys have a special place here, while stainless steel items are also sold in good numbers. Make-up lovers can hop on to the cosmetics sections available at cheaper rates, and home decor enthusiasts can walk alongside the beautiful Chinese lanterns, souvenirs, and other sparkling products. A few sellers also deal with the tamchini plates, which are nothing but enamel plates with handpainted or spraypainted stencil designs. These look adorable to be kept in homes.

Age-old delicacies at Burra Bazaar in Kolkata

After every two to three steps, open-air stalls and shops offer dahi kachori, bhelpuri, jhalmuri, ragda patties, matka kulfi, samosa chaat, jalebi, pav bhaji, chole kulche, and more to the passerby. Green mung dal cheela, made with ginger, and chilli, appeals to many taste buds here.

To satiate the tea cravings, a visit to the Bapu tea stall is not a bad idea. However, we suggest don't finish a meal without Kesariya kulfi. Some readymade items can also be packed and taken to homes like gaathiyas. Interestingly, there are a few shops that also deal with Rajasthani snacks!

Even if not for the shopping, the Burra bazaar becomes a must for history buffs who love to explore the present-day state of the old historically significant places. And this market helps to glance into the past, for sure.

Also Read: This is how the Chowringhee road in Kolkata has seen eras!

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