The Urdu Bazaar in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, is a place steeped in history and culture, dedicated to the promotion of Urdu literature. However, in recent years, the bazaar has seen a decline in interest and footfall, with food stalls replacing bookstores and customers seeking quick bites rather than Urdu books. This shift reflects a larger trend of waning interest in the Urdu language itself.
One of the shop owners, Ali Khusro Zaidi, reminisces about the golden days of Urdu Bazaar when scholars, poets, and students would flock to the shops, and books would fly off the shelves. Now, the dusty bookshelves are mostly stocked with Islamic texts and books on learning Urdu, as these are the only volumes that make a profit. Mr. Zaidi laments the lack of interest in Urdu literature among the younger generation, who prefer to communicate in English or Hindi.
Despite the challenges facing Urdu Bazaar, there are still those who believe in the importance of preserving the language and its cultural heritage. Arjumand Ara, a Professor of Urdu at Delhi University, highlights the decline of Urdu as a language that transcends religious boundaries and attributes it to the rise of communal politics. She also points out the lack of children’s literature in Urdu and the absence of Urdu curricula in schools as contributing factors to the crisis facing the language.
Moinuddin, who runs an Urdu bookshop named Kutub Khana Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Urdu, echoes similar sentiments about the challenges faced by Urdu bookshops in adapting to changing times. She emphasizes the importance of sustained support from loyal customers and occasional tourists to keep the Urdu Bazaar alive.
In conclusion, the Urdu Bazaar at Chandni Chowk stands as a symbol of Delhi’s rich cultural heritage and the legacy of Urdu literature. While facing challenges in the modern world, there are still those who believe in the importance of preserving the language and its heritage. With sustained support and efforts to adapt to changing times, there is hope that the Urdu Bazaar can continue to thrive and serve as a hub for Urdu literature enthusiasts in the future.
