5 of India’s oldest markets that have survived for centuries

Don’t miss: Khari Baoli (Asia’s largest wholesale spice market), Paranthe Wali Gali, Dariba Kalan and Kinari Bazaar.

Johari Bazaar, Jaipur

Laid out during the founding of Jaipur around 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Johari Bazaar is among India’s oldest planned marketplaces. The market is renowned for handcrafted jewellery, gemstones, meenakari work, lac bangles and traditional Rajasthani textiles. The uniform pink façades and symmetrical planning make it one of India’s most photogenic bazaars.

Famous for: Kundan jewellery, gemstones, handcrafted silver and bridal shopping.

Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad

Stretching alongside the iconic Charminar, Laad Bazaar dates back to the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the late 1500s. Known as the “Bangle Bazaar,” it remains the go-to destination for lacquer bangles, pearls, perfumes, embroidered fabrics and traditional Hyderabadi wedding shopping. The market comes alive during festivals, especially Ramadan and Eid.

Ima Keithel, Imphal

Perhaps India’s most unique historic marketplace, Ima Keithel, or the “Mother’s Market,” has been run exclusively by women for centuries. Located in Imphal, it is believed to be one of the world’s largest all-women markets, with thousands of female vendors selling vegetables, fish, handloom textiles, handicrafts, and household goods. The market is deeply woven into Manipur’s social and economic history and remains a symbol of women’s entrepreneurship.

Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai), Mumbai

Built during the British colonial era, Crawford Market combines Victorian Gothic architecture with traditional Indian craftsmanship. Although younger than the other markets on this list, it is among India’s oldest continuously operating municipal markets. Visitors come here for fresh produce, imported foods, spices, dry fruits, flowers, and festive shopping, all beneath its striking heritage structure.