Paharganj: Delhi, India
Paharganj is a hilly neighborhood in Central Delhi. It is located just west of the New Delhi Railway Station. During the Mughal era, It is known as Shahganj or King's ganj or marketplace. It is one of the three administrative subdivisions and the National Capital Territory of Delhi district.
Mar 23, 2021
Picture: collected
Paharganj is a hilly neighborhood in Central Delhi. It is located just west of the New Delhi Railway Station. During the Mughal era, It is known as Shahganj or King's ganj or marketplace. It is one of the three administrative subdivisions and the National Capital Territory of Delhi district. The area is popular with low-budget travelers. Paharganj has a poor record regarding safety for women. It is an epicenter of the city's drug crime, sexual assaults, and the sex trade. Indian authorities encouraging both domestic and international tourists to refrain from the area. Though South Delhi is more modern, it is becoming the main center for backpackers. Illegal activities like drug peddling, Paharganj have become a hotspot for crime. Many illegal bars and hotels are sat in this place. Maximum of these hotels are engaged in the sex trade, gambling, and other illegal activity. Sometimes this activity resulting in the death of tourists.Historical Monuments
Paharganj is also popular for historic Qadam Sharif dargah. It is dedicated to the footprint of Prophet Mohammed. Originally Qadam Sharif is built by Firuz Shah Tughlaq, a 14th-century Sultan of Delhi. There is also a famous mosque called Qazi Wali Masjid. It is known for its intricate engravings and arched doorways. There was a poet, named Zauq, who lived nearby Nabi Karim and died in 1854. The grave of that poet lies in the bylines of Paharganj. In the early 2000s, It was restored, after the Supreme Court orders, but his house was never identified.
Picture: collected
Administration
There are 12 administrative zones of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Paharganj is one of them. During 1966–93, Paharganj was a Delhi Metropolitan Council segment. From 1993–2008, it remained the Delhi State Assembly constituency, under Chandni Chowk. After that, it became the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency in 2008.Sex trade and Safety
Paharganj is a hub for backpackers and hippies. That's why, the area now is noted for having a high amount of crime, drugs, sexual assaults. The tourism authorities are encouraging tourists to stay in the newer part of the city. Paharganj is more popular to tourists for cheap hostels and restaurants but most tourists are moving to South Delhi for a safer and cleaner environment. Many hotels and lodging in Paharganj are engaged in different illegal work like sex trade, gambling. These hotels are also popular for available drugs.A large number of sex parlors and brothels are directly involved in the sex trade. The area is also having a bad reputation for engaging in the sex trade with minor girls. Minor girls from the neighboring nation of Nepal, Bihar are trafficked in. There are about 500 sex parlors in this area which are charging around 2,000 Indian rupees for sex and message but 40% of total money goes to the sex worker. Though Paharganj has a bad reputation for illegal work, it has been a theme for many films like Kate Winslet, Holy Smoke, Dev.D.
Contributor: Md. Tanjil
(Information collected)
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