Started by Mr Faqir Chand back in 1951, the quaint book shop in Khan Market is currently run by the 4th generation descendants of the founder.
Faqir Chand ran a thriving bookstore in Peshawar, but was forced to flee to India during the partition. After being allotted the current shop, he started from scratch and over the last 70 years built a legacy that the family has been proudly maintaining ever since.
While Khan Market has undergone rapid gentrification to become one of the most expensive retail markets in the world, the book shop remains the same. Stepping into the old store feels like turning back the wheels of time. “This is something that hasn’t changed” is a common sentiment among these patrons who often bring their children and grandchildren to the store and share memories of scouring for their favourite comics among the ceiling-high book shelfs.
In fact, even Delhi Capitals’ coach Ricky Ponting isn’t immune to the charms of this hidden gem. On a visit to Khan Market, he stumbled across the store and stopped to get an image clicked with a copy of his autobiography.
As is the case with most establishments, the lockdown has severely impacted the sales of the store and the last few months have been bleak. However, the owners remain positive. “No lockdown can take away people’s love for books. This period has also given people time to rediscover the magic of books. We are hopeful that the sales will pick back up again.”
Whether you are a book-lover or not, lets help this irreplaceable gem of our city find its feet again. Give them a visit and pick up a book for yourself or a loved one.
