Historical Gates of Indian Forts and Monuments

The magnificent forts and monuments built during the Mughal times either by the Mughal rulers or the Indian Princely Royals, had mammoth entry or exit gates to their main city area. These gates not only served as controlled movement points for the residents, public but also the military troops during times of war. Most of these gates were later reconstructed and reinforced by the British. Standing in most cases as dividers between the old and the new city, these gates are a reminder of India’s glorious past.

BULAND DARWAZA, FATEHPUR SIKRI
Buland Darwaza or the “Gate of victory”, was built in 1601 A.D. by Mughal emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is the main entrance to the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri, which is 43 km from Agra. It is a typical example of Mughal architecture, made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by white and black marble and is higher than the courtyard of the mosque. On the outside a long flight of steps sweeps down the hill giving the gateway additional height. The total height of the structure is about 54 metres from the ground level. An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza throws light on Akbar’s religious tolerance and broad mindedness. The Buland Darwaza is semi-octagonal in plan and is topped by pillars and chhatris, echoing early Mughal design with simple ornamentation, carved verses from the Koran and towering arches.

KOTE GATE, BIKANER
During the medieval period, Bikaner city was also covered by a protecting wall, like other king ruled cities of Rajasthan. Kote gate is the heritage entrance gate to the old Bikaner city. True to its solid architecture, that even after 500 years and heavy modern day traffic everyday, Kote gate stands tall with the same royal pride. Built during the reign of King Ganga Singh, the word Kote gate is taken from word ‘Parkota’ meaning wall city for this protection. Now it is a busy junction with the main shopping area of the city behind and in front of it. Kote Gate is a famous tourist attraction in the city. It overlooks the famous shopping markets. It is the entry point between the old city of Bikaner and the new city overlooking the attractive havelis, which are huge mansions with intricate architecture.

JORAWAR SINGH GATE, JAIPUR
Jaipur was founded in the 16th Century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. He did everything to make it a spectacle for the entire world and to keep it safe from intruders. A prominent part of this history are the ‘Gates of Jaipur’, the original entrance into the walled city. Commonly known as the Zorawar Singh Gate, the Dravyu Poth of the northern wall of the walled city. It is named after the Pole Star or the Dhruv Tara, a star that marks the North direction. It is also the widest of all the gates. Jorawar Singh Gate in Jaipur leads to Amber Town. Named after a general, this gate is the entry to the northern part of the city and acts as a beautiful introduction to a walk around this part of town.

SARDAR MARKET GATE, JODHPUR
Sardar Market or Girdikot is one of the most popular landmarks and markets in Jodhpur. There is a big gate wall at the entry to this walled Sardar Market. This area is located close to the clock tower and is characterized with Mughal architecture, with balconies, arches and floral designs on the facade of the gate. It is characterised by thin and thick walls. The walls are also thick. Made of sandstone and white marble, depicting exquisite carvings on the same.

KASHMERE GATE, DELHI
Kashmere Gate is the famous northern gate to the historic walled city of Delhi. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it leads to the Lal Quila, the Red Fort of Delhi. The gate faces towards Kashmir, so it was named Kashmere Gate under the British Raj. During the First War of Indian Independence of 1857, the British had used the gate to prevent the rebels from entering the city. The left half of the Gate was destroyed using gunpowder, starting the final assault on the rebels towards the end of the Siege of Delhi. After 1857, the British moved the Civil Lines and Kashmere Gate became the fashionable and commercial center of Delhi, a status it lost only after the creation of New Delhi in 1931. In 1965, a section of the Kashmere Gate was used to allow a faster movement of vehicular traffic. Since then, it has become a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India.

RUMI DARWAZA, LUCKNOW
The Rumi Darwaza sometimes known as the Turkish Gate, is an imposing gateway which was built under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-ud-daula in 1784. It is an example of Awadhi architecture. The Rumi Darwaza, which stands 60 feet tall, was modelled after the Sublime Porte (Bab-iHümayun) in Istanbul. It is a rich architectural treasure in Lucknow and has become a logo for the city of Lucknow. It was an entrance to the entrance to Old Lucknow city. At the time of Nawabs governance and leadership, it was later used as an entrance to a palace which was later demolished.

MAGAZINE GATE, AJMER
Magazine Gate is the main gate leading to the magazine building also known as Akbar’s Palace that was built by Akbar in A.D. 1570. Akbar used to stay here during his visit to Dargah of Khwaza Saheb. Later on, it was taken over by the British from Marathas in A.D. 1818 and used as an arsenal and was part of this building was known as Magazine building. This palatial building was also used as embassy building of Sir Thomas Roe, who presented his credentials to Jahangir on 10th January, A.D. 1616. In the year A.D. 1908, it was converted into Rajputana Museum. This gate is made of red sandstone and is symbolic of the grand Mughal architectural style.

DELHI GATE, DELHI
Delhi Gate is the southern gate of the historic walled city of Old Delhi, or Shahjahanabad. The gate lies built by New Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638. The emperor used this gate to visit Jama Masjid and Red Fort. The gate is similar in design and architecture to the northern gate of the walled city, the Kashmere Gate . It was built in sandstone and is highly ornamented where structure near the road and walls and the turrets and the domes were structured. The road that goes past the gate, is the Daryaganj leading to the New Delhi area. A part of the fort wall connected with this gate leads to the Old Delhi Railway Station and the remnants of the town wall exists.