[1][2] It lies within the walled city of Delhi, and connects the Chandni Chowk area with Jama Masjid.

It derives its name from the Persian Dur-e be-baha, which translates as "unparalleled pearl",[2] while suffix Kalan means big.

[3] This is in reference to its history as a popular market for precious stones and gold and silver jewelry, especially under the reign of the 17th-century Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

The street witnessed the bloody massacre of Delhi in March 1739, ordered by the Persian invader Nadir Shah, when hundreds of innocent civilians and soldiers were killed and the gold shops were looted.

[3][4] Dariba Kalan is mentioned in the popular song Kajra Re from the hit Hindi film Bunty aur Babli (2005)