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The Indian retail story silently
continued in an unorganized
structure across every street corner in the country till the
early 1980s whereafter, the air of liberalization brought modern retail
into the scene. But the contemporary retail format is only a rehash of
the centuries old activity of traders selling their produce in a collective
arrangement. The origins of organized retailing in India can thus be
traced to fairs and melas, which were held across the country for the twin
purpose of trade and entertainment.
The word `retail' originated in 1365 as a derivative of the
French word `retaillier' which means `to
cut a piece off' or `to break the bulk.' It was only in 1433 that, for the
first time, it was recorded to mean `sale in small quantities.'
One of the landmarks in the history of retailing in India can
be traced back to the year 1672, when a month-long annual fair started
in the present day Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. Nauchandi mela, as it is popularly called, is held
every year after Holi and attracts over a lakh visitors. It was begun with
the objective of trading in animals, especially horses. Over time,
cattle trading was added, together with trading in a variety of other
products of rural craftsmanship. The event was also associated with
religious observation, and emerged as a colorful
festival, accompanied by rural pomp and gaiety.
Since centuries, such fairs and melas can be found in large
numbers across thousands of villages and towns of India. Such fairs were
held with the primary objective of commerce, but also served as a major
avenue for recreation and entertainment. Those who produced in
surplus were given appropriate place to sell their produce. |
