Dilliwala

Dilliwalas are the oldest community living in Delhi. Which is why they refer to themselves as Dilliwalas. In India it is common to hear that people have relatives in nearly every part of India. However amongst Dilliwalas most of their relatives usually live in Delhi though this is now changing.

Today the term is used around loosely by people who live in Delhi however to be able to use the term one's family should have lived in Delhi for at least 150 years.

Dilliwalas are largely a community of traders and businessmen whose history in the city goes back to over 400 years. They include mostly Baniyas and Jains. Many of the current traditions are similar to those found in Rajasthan so it is assumed that many Dilliwalas probably migrated from Rajasthan to Delhi. However one cannot be certain of the origins of Dilliwalas.

Most Dilliwalas in the past century have spent many years in the old quarter of the city or what is known as old delhi. Many dilliwalas are also known as Dilli chay, which means Delhi 6, because the zip code of many old parts of Delhi ends in the number 6.

Some of the Dilliwala firms that have survived over the years include:
* http://ivorypalaceindia.com/index.htm
* http://www.ivorymartjewellers.com/about_us.html
* http://www.ramnath.com/aboutus.htm

References