The neighbourhood rose to prominence after the erection of Ram Swarup Clock Tower on the Grand Trunk Road in 1941, and the construction of Jaipuria and Birla textile mills.

Kamla Nagar, and its adjoining neighbourhoods, were a centre of political activity during the late British Raj and the first two decades after Independence.

[1] It was also a cultural hub after Independence with Gulzar, Santosh Anand and Manoj Kumar being active there during some part of their lives before becoming popular in Bollywood.

Kamla Nagar was the venue of Guru Radha Kishan's 24-day fast to support the rights of labour unions of the textile mills.

[1] The commercial streets house a mix of international brands and Indian stores, mostly located on and around Bungalow Road, opposite Hans Raj College.

The retail stores and restaurants are located on lower floors of the market while the upper stories have remained residential.