Manek Chowk Jewellery Market, Ahmedabad: History and Guide

Manek Chowk is three markets in one square. Vegetable sellers fill it in the morning; through the day it is one of the biggest jewellery and bullion markets in India; and late at night, when the jewellers have shut, it becomes Ahmedabad's most famous street-food square.

Manek Chowk history

The square is named after Baba Maneknath, a saint who, as the story goes, helped Ahmed Shah I when Bhadra Fort was being built in 1411, the year Ahmedabad was founded. A small memorial temple in the square marks where he took samadhi.

Manek Chowk grew into the commercial heart of the walled city. The Ahmedabad Stock Exchange started here in 1894, the second oldest in India. The square sits between two royal tombs of the Gujarat Sultanate, Badshah no Hajiro for the kings and Rani no Hajiro for the queens; the queens' tombs now have their own market around them.

What to buy at Manek Chowk

• Gold and silver jewellery from the old jewellery houses.
• Imitation and gold-plated jewellery, much of it sold wholesale.
• Oxidised and costume jewellery to go with chaniya choli, in the lanes around and at Rani no Hajiro.

Manek Chowk shopping tips

• Come during the day for jewellery; the square changes over to food in the evening.
• For gold, buy hallmarked pieces and ask for a bill.
• For imitation jewellery, compare a few stalls and bargain.
• Ratanpol, the bridal market, is a short walk away: plan a day for both.

Match it to the outfit

Bought the jewellery first? Haggler Studio in Shela can stitch a chaniya choli or blouse to go with it, cut to your measurements. For the city's other markets, see Best Clothing Markets in Ahmedabad.