Russell Market: A Hidden Gem on the Verge of Being Forgotten
Image Source: Tripadvisor
Russell Market remains an enjoyable pastime in Shivaji Nagar, where navigating through the sea of merchants is a communal sport and a pair of headphones is optional. This market, with a history dating back to the British colonial era and established in 1927, is known as the “Mother of All Markets.” A remnant of the colonial past, Russell Market has been going strong for more than a century, and the only thing keeping it going is necessity, not nostalgia.
Stories of aging hands, shifting economic status, and public disdain are part of the intricate economics of survival that lie behind its rusted roofs and faded signs. It’s more than just a marketplace. Goods are sold, deliveries are made, and services are provided in the market’s own well-planned chaos. It’s a location for stoic courage. Russell Market, like everything else, is not exempt from its fair share of problems that have forced it to the verge of being forgotten.
Despite its invisibility, Russell Market holds its relevance in Bengaluru’s daily life. For decades, it has served its customers with fresh vegetables, spices, and good-quality meats to households and small businesses across Bengaluru. Its intricate network of vendors, distributors, and customers offers a unique economic system of personal connection, which is not easily replaced by modern markets. The market also serves as a livelihood for hundreds of families, some of whom have had stalls set up for generations. They offer fresh and often locally sourced spices, vegetables, and good-quality meats, contributing to the region’s strong food security and supporting traditional farming practices, fostering sustainable living practices even if not explicitly marketed.
Ironically, while Bengaluru prides itself on being innovative and globally aspirant, it often forgets the roots that have made it possible. The market, with its raw authenticity, offers an antidote to the sterility of modern retail. It is a place where you can genuinely smell the vibrant flowers and the good-quality spices, and engage in conversations beyond just a normal exchange – a cultural richness that is intangible.
It is not failing because the people are not working. Vendors arrive early every morning to set up their stalls, unloading meat, spices, flowers, and vegetables that will feed homes and eateries around the city. The work ethic here is extremely skilled, relentless, and intense. However, this hard work has been obscured—not due to neglect, but because the city has changed its story to exclude them. The goal of urban development has shifted from inclusion to ambition. The true issue is that Bengaluru’s evolving dynamic no longer matches this ecosystem, which was once essential to daily life in the city. Additionally, characters such as the fruit vendors, flower dealers, and butchers of Russell Market have been dropped from this script.
One of the major problems revolving around the functioning of Russell Market is that it has turned invisible, not due to inefficiency. Its rustic, vintage look is not compatible with the trendy and modern outlook of the city. Today’s landscape is very much dominated by glass-front tech hubs, luxury residential towers, and start-up hubs, and Russell Market, with its now outdated front, no longer fits the narrative.
This market is now being displaced due to issues such as parking difficulties, deteriorating infrastructure, and hygiene concerns. An iconic landmark like Russell Market does not need a makeover; instead, it needs recognition. It needs investment so that it retains its original charm and at the same time fits into the modern landscape. This isn’t about converting it into a mall with good infrastructure and complete hygiene, etc., but rather about maintaining and strengthening its current strengths. It is about improving its sanitation facilities.
The waste management system should be more established to maintain a cleaner environment. Better traffic management is needed to ensure car parking, considering that modes of transport have shifted drastically from walking everywhere to cars and private vehicles. Investing in structural repairs such as rusted roofs will make the place more attractive. Improved amenities for vendors will also contribute to a well-operated market and will, therefore, attract thousands of customers and tourists to the region. This revitalization is, however, not just about improving its aesthetic looks. This investment, from creating parking space to ensuring better roofs and amenities for vendors, will ensure that the market will be preserved for generations to come. This will additionally attract both new customers and make them loyal customers to the rich cultural heritage. This will not only make the market flourish but also maintain the past memories.
In conclusion, the preservation of the market is not just about preserving its physical structure but more about its cultural heritage. By following these measures, we can save the market from being under-noticed and make it a shared memory of our past.
About Authors: Meghaa Kabra and Sravan Lal are second-year B.A. Media and Journalism students at Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru. This article was developed as part of their Community Journalism coursework under the guidance of their faculty mentor, Dr. Jais Merlin P. Augustine, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media Studies. It reflects their commitment to engaging directly with community issues and voices, applying journalistic principles to real-world contexts.
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