Archive · 17 Jun 2025
Lala Chunnamal: The Richest Merchant of Old Delhi
Lala Chunnamal was like a super-rich businessman in Old Delhi a long time ago.
He sold fancy clothes and even lent money to the king.
He had lots of properties and was one of the first people in Delhi to own cool things like a car and a telephone.
He was also allowed to join exclusive clubs, which showed how important he was.
His family once bought a mosque but later gave it back to the Muslim community.
Lala Chunnamal was a wealthy textile merchant in 19th-century Delhi.
He supplied goods to the Mughal royal family and lent money to the last Mughal emperor.
Chunnamal owned significant properties in Delhi, including Baraf Khana and Pul Bangash.
He was a member of elite clubs like the Delhi Gymkhana Club and the Roshanara Club.
Chunnamal's family returned the Fatehpuri Mosque to the Muslim community after owning it.
- Who
- Lala Chunnamal, a textile merchant.
- What
- The story of Lala Chunnamal, a wealthy merchant in Old Delhi.
- When
- During the 19th century, and specifically following the 1857 revolt.
- Where
- Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)
- Why
- To highlight the life and legacy of a prominent figure in Delhi's history and his contributions to the city.
- Occupation
- Textile Merchant
- Notable for
- Wealth and influence in Old Delhi
- Owned
- Haveli, Baraf Khana, Old Subzi Mandi, Pul Bangash
- Clubs
- Delhi Gymkhana Club, Roshanara Club, Delhi Race Club, National Sports Club
- Monthly Earnings (approx.)
- 1 lakh rupees
- Associated with
- Fatehpuri Mosque