Hanuman Road marks 80 years as New Delhi’s first elite colony

Former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, his celebrated artist brother Satish Gujral, Coca-Cola magnate Sardar Mohan Singh, and renowned surgeon Dr Naresh Trehan—these are just a few of the illustrious figures who once called Hanuman Road home. Established in 1944 as New Delhi’s first elite colony, Hanuman Road quickly became a gathering place for some of the nation’s most influential personalities. Nestled behind the iconic Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, this historic neighborhood attracted not only political and business giants but also artists, freedom fighters, and cultural pioneers. With its lush tree-lined avenues and grand bungalows, Hanuman Road was more than just an address—it was a symbol of prestige, camaraderie, and the ever-evolving spirit of India’s capital.

A bond that stood the test of time

Among Hanuman Road’s first residents was Inder Kumar Gujral, who fondly reminisced about the days he spent here with his younger brother, Satish Gujral.

“My younger brother Satish lived with me till Hanuman Road. From there, he moved to his own house in Lajpat Nagar,” Gujral once recalled. Satish, a renowned painter, shared a Ram-Lakshman-like bond with his elder brother, and their years under one roof at Hanuman Road became an indelible part of both their lives. While Satish eventually moved on, Gujral stayed on in Hanuman Road for years, making the colony a lasting chapter in their shared family story.

The birth of an elite neighbourhood

Hanuman Road was developed by Sardar Sobha Singh’s firm in 1944, marking it as one of the earliest upscale localities in New Delhi. The colony drew Delhi’s affluent and influential, many of whom were drawn by its central location and the generous 500-yard plots available. Unlike the newer, more exclusive areas that came later, Hanuman Road was culturally diverse, home to communities of Gujaratis, Bengalis, Muslims, and other prominent families from different backgrounds.

One such family was that of Sardar Mohan Singh, the businessman who brought Coca-Cola to India. His son, Charanjit Singh, went on to build the famous Meridian Hotel, and over the years, the family’s contributions became landmarks in New Delhi’s business and hospitality scenes. The Bhargav family, led by freedom fighter and Caxton Press owner BL Bhargav, also made Hanuman Road their home. Their son Nakul Bhargav, a local municipal councillor, carried forward their legacy in civic service, while other families left their marks in the city’s evolving story.

Legends and lore

But Hanuman Road was not without its share of intrigue. In 1973, the community was rocked by the scandalous murder case involving Dr NS Jain, a personal eye doctor to the then-President VV Giri. Dr Jain’s wife, Vidya, was found murdered outside their Defence Colony residence, and it soon came to light that Dr Jain’s secretary and paramour, Chandresh Sharma, was implicated in the plot. This sensational love triangle captured the city’s imagination, and while it may not have reached the notoriety of the Nanavati case, it nonetheless left an indelible mark on Hanuman Road’s history.

Cultural and social ties that bind

For the residents of Hanuman Road, the Arya Samaj Mandir became a central fixture. Since 1954, generations of couples have married here in simple, traditional Arya Samaj ceremonies. The temple and its management extended to the Raghumal Arya Kanya Vidyalaya, the first girls’ school in New Delhi. A landmark for education and empowerment, the school also became the birthplace of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party) in 1951.

Residents shared not just a neighbourhood but also deep social ties. Dr Naresh Trehan and renowned photographer Avinash Pasricha, both of whom grew up on Hanuman Road, recall close friendships and a sense of community that thrived among the children of the area. Festivals like Holi and Diwali were celebrated with enthusiasm and unity, with families joining hands to create memorable events year after year.

Modern demands meet timeless heritage

Today, the legacy of Hanuman Road has translated into immense property value. Santokh Chawla, MD of Fun and Food Village, notes that any property on the market is swiftly snapped up, a testament to the neighbourhood’s lasting allure. While some families have moved away, driven by personal or financial reasons, others have chosen to remain, preserving the history of their childhood homes.

With the arrival of the Spain Cultural Centre in 2010, Hanuman Road has also evolved to embrace the city’s growing cultural footprint. Located at 48 Hanuman Road, the centre draws students of Spanish, adding a lively energy to the area. But as with much of Delhi, urban challenges persist: an increasing population of monkeys now roam the once-serene streets, lending an odd mix of chaos to Hanuman Road’s otherwise refined ambience.

The enduring essence of Hanuman Road

Some of the oldest families on Hanuman Road, like the Malik family of Malik Sweets fame, have lived here since the 1960s, witnessing firsthand the neighbourhood’s transformations. From a humble tea-and-pakora stall, Malik Sweets rose to prominence, becoming a beloved establishment over the years—a fitting symbol of Hanuman Road’s blend of heritage, enterprise, and endurance.

Eighty years later, Hanuman Road remains more than a colony; it is a living chronicle of New Delhi’s growth, resilience, and legacy. For those who have lived here, it is not just an address but a cherished chapter in their lives. As one of the first elite neighbourhoods of New Delhi, Hanuman Road continues to represent the heart and spirit of the city, standing as a bridge between its storied past and ever-evolving present.