The Majestic Delhi Gate

Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi built in 1649, was built like a fortress and had 14 gates with which to enter the city. Out of these 14 gates just 5 survive today and bear mute testimony to the grandeur of the city that they were a part of.

Kashmiri Gate - Located near the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) on the north of the walled city, Kashmiri Gate was one of the important gates of Shahjahanabad as the royal processions of emperors used to pass through this gate on their trips to Kashmir and Northern India. Kashmiri Gate is historically important because during the 1857 war of Independence, the site was the scene of intense fighting. Today, the gate is situated near a busy thoroughfare and marketplace and is hardly noticed by passersby.

Ajmeri Gate – Ajmeri Gate was named so because a thoroughfare from the gate led to the city of Ajmer. Almost square in plan, the gate was built with high arched openings and is, at present, surrounded by a beautiful park.

Delhi Gate – Situated bang opposite the Daryaganj police station, Delhi Gate was so named because the road from this gate led to the previous cities of Delhi. This road was popularly called as thandi sarak (cool road), because the thoroughfare was lined with trees that provided enough shade to keep the scorching sun away. Made up of red sandstone, Delhi Gate is still an imposing gateway and is the starting point of the Daryaganj Old Book market held every Sunday.

Turkman Gate - Named after the pious Muslim saint, Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani, Turkman Gate is located near the Ramlila Grounds. Like the rest of the gates this gate is also square in plan with high arched openings.

Nigambodh Gate - Located on the Ring Road near the Yamuna Bazaar, Nigambodh Gate derives its name from the popular Nigambodh Ghat. According to legends, it was on this ghat that Lord Brahma is said to have bathed and recovered his lost memory and sacred books and thus the name Nigambodh Ghat, meaning realization of knowledge.

Address – All five of these gates are situated in and around the Old Delhi area within a radius of 7-8 km

How to Reach – The best way to visit these gates would be to hire a cab for the day which could take you to all the five gates. Else take the Metro to Chandni Chowk and take a cycle rickshaw from there to cover most of the gates.