Connaught
Place has a long and distinguished history behind it. Named after the
Duke of Connaught, a member of the British royal family, this market was
designed by Designed by Robert Tor Russell in collaboration with WH
Nicholls. A sprawling circular market, Connaught Place was the largest
of its kind in India at that time. Despite numerous big malls, CP
continues to be the largest in India.The shape of the Connaught Place is based on the horseshoe. The British believed that a market in the shape of a horseshoe would prove lucky for both shoppers and shopkeepers. This was in accordance to the popular belief of the natives. And as decades have gone by, CP continues to be Delhi's premier shopping destination. It seems that once and for all that prediction has stood correct. Connaught Place (officially called Rajiv Chowk, but referred to as C.P. by Delhiites) is a central business district of New Delhi, India. It is instantly recognisable on any map of Delhi, being the big circle in the middle with radial roads spreading out in all directions, like spokes on a wheel. Rajiv Chowk Metro station, located under Connaught Place, is the busiest stationof Delhi Metro. It is also an interchanging point. Although Connaught Place appears to be a logically planned area, balant enchochment has somewhat defaced this marvel.
Connaught Place's obvious Victorian architecture is modeled after the Royal Crescent in Bath, England. The various inlets and outlets to Connaught place are known as redial roads. There are as many as 9 roads to reach Outer circle from various parts of Delhi and close to 12 radials to get out from this place.