Do You Know How Mumbai’s Chor Bazaar Got Its Name?

Mumbai’s  Chor Bazaar, located in South Mumbai, is a shopping haven for anyone who wants to purchase antiques, Bollywood posters, furniture, and other vintage items.

Here’s an interesting tale of Chor Bazaar

If you are a pro at bargaining, then this is the place to go.

It is said that you can find anything and everything from old car engines, to Victorian furniture at this place at pretty prices. You name it and they’ll have it.

But, what fascinates me most about the place is its name- Chor Bazaar.

Chor Bazaar literally means ‘Thieves market’. So, is it a residing place for thieves from across Mumbai city? Well, yes, and no.

Chor Bazar was originally known as ‘Shor Bazaar’, owing to the ever-so-noisy street vendors shouting out to the passers-by to grab their attention and make sales.

Other than that, one who has been to this bazaar would profess how noisy the crammed up lanes are with the constant moving traffic and honking vehicles.

Wondering how Shor Bazaar changed to Chor Bazar?

The story goes back to more than 150 years ago. This famous flea market was a favorite of the British during their reign in India. However, they mispronounced the name ‘Shor’ as ‘Chor’, and the name stuck around.

Eventually, over the years, this market lived up to its name. They say anything that was robbed from anywhere in Mumbai could be found in Chor Bazaar. Today, not all goods available over here are stolen. However, a word to the wise, “Beware of pickpockets”.

Another story associated with the name Chor Bazaar goes like this. A violin and some other belongings of Queen Victoria went missing from the ship on her visit to Mumbai. These items were later found at Chor Bazaar.

No one really knows for sure which of these stories is actually true. Nonetheless, the crowded streets remain on every vintage aficionado’s bucket list.

Go on! Explore the Chor Bazaar streets to bag some great deals. And let us know your fascinating experiences with this market!