Created after the founding of George Town in 1786, it forms part of the city's Little India enclave, whilst also boasting a multicultural character due to Indian Muslim and Chinese influences.

[1] In addition, Chulia Street has a large concentration of budget accommodation for tourists, as several shophouses along the road have been converted into hostels and guesthouses.

The early inhabitants were Muslims, and they subsequently built a number of religious buildings along Chulia Street, such as the Nagore Durgha Shrine and the Noordin Family Tomb.

[1] Due to the influx of ethnic Indians along Chulia Street, the road has become part of George Town's Little India enclave.

[1] Budget hostels and guesthouses, along with businesses such as laundries, restaurants, bars and travel agencies, now operate out of the rows of shophouses lining the road.