The exterior is covered in dust and soot from the relentless traffic that the arterial streets of Chandni Chowk are subjected to. The interiors, however, speak of a grandeur that is today, lost in time. Chunnamal Haveli, one of the most prominent structures of Chandni Chowk, was built by Lala Chunna Mal, the first municipal commissioner of British India and the first one to own an automobile and a phone in the city. With an income of approximately one lakh rupees in those days, it was no wonder that he could maintain this 128-room lavish three-floor residence keeping it up to date with fancy carpets, chandeliers, paintings and watches from Cooke & Kelvey.