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THE 1890's

 

    The 1890's saw the emergence of the Punjab as the granary of India and Karachi was the region's principal outlet. This brought many business opportunities to Karachi and the population of the city expanded. Consequently, revenues of the city also increased and public works projects were undertaken on a grand scale. Boulton Market was built in 1883, and in 1890, the grand Empress Market was constructed  to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign. This monumental structure with a clock tower was designed to compete with the Crawford Market of Bombay and was designed to be 12 feet higher. The market quickly gained a position in the city's center. Hospitals such as the Civil Hospital and the Lady Dufferin Hospital were also inaugurated.

 

       
The Empress Market (1890)

 

OLD CITY VIEWS

   
First picture: Looking towards the St. Patrick's Cathedral over the Staff Lines
Second picture: Looking towards the St. Andrew's Church in Saddar.

 

Looking towards the Civil Lines, the Sindh Club is in the foreground, and the Frere Hall can be seen at the back

These pictures were most likely taken from the bell tower of the Trinity Church

 

Lady Dufferin took an avid interest in the healthcare for women, and was the main benefactor for the Lady Dufferin Hospital

 

Lady Dufferin Hospital - founded in 1894

 

   
Civil Hospital Karachi and its Nurses Block inaugurated in 1898

 

A map of Karachi from 1893

 

       
Views of the dense old native town by the end of the 19th century (First view is from Bundar Road)

 

Local Businesses Spotlight

 

   
The Rustomjee Building (1891), The Merewether Tower with the Rustomjee Building in the background

 

Messrs. Katrak & Co. (c. 1891): General stores, importers of wine and spirits

 

The Indian Life Assurance Co. (c. 1892)

 

   
Premesis of Bliss & Co. (c. 1896) (Second picture c. 1928)

 

   
The Sindh Flour Mills and Warehouse (c. 1896)

 

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THE 1900's