Hidden amidst the packed streets of Paharganj is this almost abandoned building which previously served as one of the branches of Punjab National Bank turned into a godown by the bank eventually. As per a local shop owner, it was possibly built in the 1940s when the entire neighbourhood was developing, with a significant number of buildings under the label of ‘enemy property’ originally owned by Muslim who migrated to Pakistan were reassigned to Hindu individuals and families post-partition.

The external facade of the building features some of the Art Deco inspired ornamental motifs and an interplay of both simple yet complex geometries, reflecting how the style gained popularity and could influence many new constructions in the city, which would simply copy its details due to the availability of prefabrication techniques.

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Image Copyrights : Deco in Delhi x Protyasha Pandey