NAGPUR

The Cotton Market, despite its name, primarily functions as a large vegetable market spanning approximately 1.5 sq. km. Historically the largest market in Nagpur, its prominence declined following the establishment of Kalamna Market, leading many well-established vendors to relocate. However, smaller vendors and financially constrained traders continued to operate in the Cotton Market. About 70% of vendors here are third- or fourth-generation sellers, continuing a legacy that spans nearly a century. Most are unaware of how the market got its name—a story passed down orally by elders. Wholesale trade begins early in the morning, with agents supplying fresh produce to the stalls.

The market hosts around 360 brokers who facilitate trade between farmers and vendors. The majority of vegetables come from Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh, while cauliflower is sourced from Katol and Kalmeshwar talukas in Nagpur district. Mangoes primarily arrive from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The market has suffered from three major fires in recent years, leading many vendors to relocate. The market is also home to long-established businesses. The ‘Jalaram General Stores,’ operational for 50 years, has experienced a decline since the shift to Kalamna Market. ‘Minar Eggs,’ a wholesale egg shop, has been in business for 35 years, sourcing eggs from Hyderabad. ‘Joshi Traders', which originally operated as a Bhojanalay, transitioned to selling potatoes and onions. Vendors describe the Cotton Market as a ‘Sone ki Chidiya’ (Golden Bird), providing opportunities for even unskilled workers to earn a livelihood.

According to an 86-year-old former worker of Tata Empress Mill, the Cotton Market originated as a trading hub for raw cotton transported by farmers from surrounding talukas. Initially, farmers faced exploitation by middlemen but eventually began selling directly in Nagpur, parking their bullock carts in the area that became the Cotton Market. Over time, the vegetable market shifted from Santra Market/Shaniwar Bazaar to this location. Today, congestion and poor air quality pose significant challenges, prompting calls for modernization.

Itwari Market is one of Nagpur’s largest and oldest markets, with a history spanning over 100 years. Its lanes are named after the products sold there, using the suffix "-wali." Kasaar-Wali is the traditional utensils market selling steel, bronze, brass, and copper items. Kirana-Wali is a wholesale market for grains and groceries, with some shops dating back to 1901. Lohaa-Wali specializes in iron products, particularly kitchen utensils sourced from Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, and Gujarat. Manihari Market sells daily-use items, accessories, and bridal decorations; therefore, it is especially bustling during wedding seasons. Sona-Chandi-Wali is a hub for gold and silver jewelry, with shopkeepers maintaining discretion about their trade.

Kalamna Market, covering 145 acres, is a highly organized agricultural market managed by the Nagpur Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC). Established in 1986 following a Bombay High Court order, it accommodates distinct zones for vegetables, fruits, grains, chilies, onions, and potatoes. The Aloo-Pyaz Market, spanning 6-7 blocks, handles large quantities of onions and potatoes transported via rented trucks from various regions in Maharashtra. The Anaaj and Fruit Market, shifted from the historic Santra Market, trades a variety of fruits, including imports from across India. The Chili Market, operating for around 26 years, receives supplies from Chandrapur, Kuhi, Bhiwapur, and neighboring states. The market includes cold storage units for potatoes and fruits, a Prashaskiya Bhavan, and multiple canteens. The APMC secretary ensures its smooth operation. The Vegetable Market section saw most of the old brokers from the Cotton Market relocate here. Some of the vendors hold APMC licenses that are over 50 years old.

Lakadganj, historically known for its timber trade, remains an industrial hub in Nagpur. The wood-cutting industry, dating back to the pre-British era, continues to thrive, though recent trends indicate a gradual shift toward Kaapsi due to space constraints. Originally hosting around 300 machines in the 1960s, the market now operates nearly 1,000 machines, distributed across Lakadganj and Kalamna.

Nagpur has witnessed the growth of modern retail spaces alongside its traditional markets. Eternity Mall, located near Variety Square, is one of the city's earliest malls, offering a mix of retail stores, food courts, and entertainment options. Empress Mall, situated near Gandhisagar Lake, houses premium fashion brands, a multiplex, and a dedicated gaming zone. Trilium Mall, a newer addition, has quickly gained popularity with its diverse range of national and international brands, along with an expansive food court. Poonam Mall in Sita Burdi serves as a shopping destination for mid-range brands and eateries. With the expansion of organized retail, these malls cater to evolving consumer preferences, providing a contrast to Nagpur's historic markets.

The flower market, originally located in Itwari, was relocated to the Mahatma Phule Hall in the Cotton Market before finally moving to Sita Burdi’s Phule Market 20 years ago, in the early 21st Century. The market accommodates around 300 vendors today, trading flowers sourced from Shirdi, Shegaon, and nearby regions. A future relocation to Kalamna Market has been proposed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.

A historic market over a century old, Santra Market is renowned for its seasonal fruits, especially oranges and sweet limes. Vendors source some produce directly from farmers, but most come from Kalamna Market. Imported fruits include apples from Turkistan, Washington, and Kashmir; grapes from China; Malta from the Maldives; and pineapples from Nashik. Local produce includes oranges, raw mangoes, and melons from Saoner; and water chestnuts from Umred. The market's central location, near Mahal and Burdi, has ensured its continued prominence.

The Shanichar Kabadi Market, established in the 1960s, operates only on Saturdays along a 1 km stretch near Empress Mall in New Shukrawari. Vendors collect and repair used goods throughout the week, selling them every Saturday. Unlike a Chor Bazaar, where stolen goods are resold, this market specializes in refurbished items such as antiques, instruments, and rain covers. Though business has declined post-pandemic, the market continues to attract a steady flow of buyers and sellers.

Sitabuldi Market is one of Nagpur’s busiest commercial hubs, located in central Nagpur where major roads, transport routes, and public spaces converge. It functions as the city’s contemporary commercial centre, drawing people from across Nagpur for street shopping, wholesale purchases, and everyday needs. The market remains crowded through the day, with pedestrians, students, and shoppers navigating between formal shops and informal hawkers selling clothes, footwear, and accessories.

Sitabuldi’s origins are estimated to trace back to the 17th century, when it was ruled by Yaduvanshi brothers Shitlaprasad and Badriprasad Gawali. The name “Sitabuldi” is believed to have evolved from “Shitlabadri,” a combination of the brothers’ names, later anglicized to “Seetabuldee” under British rule. Following the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1817, the British consolidated control over Nagpur, and Sitabuldi began developing as a structured commercial precinct.

Sitabuldi Market grew alongside the city, especially after the arrival of the railway in the 19th century. Its centrality and accessibility turned it into a thriving marketplace for textiles, groceries, and household goods. As trade routes expanded, the market welcomed merchants from different parts of India, becoming a cosmopolitan node of commerce. Today, despite changing retail trends and urban growth, Sitabuldi remains a key site for street shopping in Nagpur—anchored in history but continuously evolving to meet contemporary needs.