The Stories behind Delhi's Historic gates

Delhi’s ancient gates are more than just structures – they are part of its living history. Built centuries ago, they were strong entrances to protect the old city and welcome travelers. Let’s explore a few of these gates and what they have seen.


Ajmeri Gate

Made in 1644 by Shah Jahan, Ajmeri Gate faced the road to Ajmer, a holy city in Rajasthan. It was one of the main gates of Shahjahanabad. Over time, it saw many battles, especially during the 1857 rebellion. Now close to New Delhi Railway Station, the gate still stands with pride.


Lahori Gate

This gate leads into the Red Fort and is named because it faced Lahore. Shah Jahan also built it. It was once used by Mughal royals and is still used today during Independence Day celebrations, when the Prime Minister gives a speech from here. It shows the strength and spirit of India.


Turkman Gate

Turkman Gate is named after a Sufi saint, Hazrat Shah Turkman. Built in the 13th century, it is in the heart of Old Delhi. It has seen peaceful prayers and violent protests, especially during the Emergency in 1976. It reminds us of Delhi’s spiritual and political past.


Conclusion 

These gates are more than just old buildings. They are parts of Delhi’s soul, holding memories of glory and struggle. Next time you pass by one, listen closely – the walls might just whisper a story.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Evolution of Delhi's Architecture - From Sultanate to British Rule

Delhi has a long and rich history. Many rulers ruled this city, and each one added their own style to its buildings. The look of the city has changed a lot from the time of the Delhi Sultans to the British era. Architecture During the Sultanate (1206–1526) The Delhi Sultans made many strong and grand buildings. They used red sandstone and liked features like arches and domes. The Qutub Minar, built in this time, is still a famous landmark. Other examples are the Alai Darwaza and Tughlaqabad Fort. Mughal Architecture (1526–1857) When the Mughals came, they built more elegant and beautiful structures. They used white marble and created big gardens and detailed designs. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Humayun’s Tomb are beautiful examples of Mughal style. British or Colonial Architecture (1858–1947) During British rule, the buildings in Delhi looked more European. The British used Western styles like Victorian and classical. Later, Lutyens’ Delhi was built with grand roads and buildings li...
Read more

"Baolis of Delhi: The Ancient Water Wisdom"

Delhi has many hidden treasures from the past, and one of them is its Baolis or stepwells. These ancient structures were smart ways to store water during summers and dry months. They show the clever thinking and eco-awareness of old civilizations. Let’s take a look at three of Delhi’s most interesting Baolis – Agrasen ki Baoli, Gandhak ki Baoli, and Rajon ki Baoli. Agrasen ki Baoli Past : Said to have been started by King Agrasen, this Baoli was likely rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agarwal community. It sits close to the heart of Delhi. Design : The Baoli is long, wide, and has 103 stone steps divided into three levels. Its carved arches and deep structure keep the inside cool. Importance : It’s a peaceful place for tourists and locals, standing as a reminder of Delhi’s deep history. It’s even featured in movies like PK. Gandhak ki Baoli Past : Built in the 13th century by Sultan Iltutmish, this Baoli is in the Mehrauli area. Its water had a sulfur-like smell, giving it the name G...
Read more

"The Iron Pillar of Delhi: A Monument to Ancient Indian Engineering"

 Located in the Qutub Complex in Mehrauli, Delhi, the Iron Pillar is a fascinating ancient structure. Standing for over 1600 years, this pillar is known for one amazing fact – it hasn’t rusted much over time. This shows how advanced India’s engineering was in the old days. The pillar is around 7.2 meters high and weighs more than 6 tons. Experts believe it was built during the reign of King Chandragupta II in the 4th century CE. An inscription in Sanskrit carved on it praises the king and tells a bit about the history of that time. What surprises many people is how the iron has stayed almost rust-free. Usually, iron gets rusty when it faces wind and rain, but this pillar has not. Scientists think that the craftsmen of that time used a smart method to mix the iron with phosphorus and did not use materials like sulfur, which causes rust. This clever process helped protect the pillar for centuries. The Iron Pillar proves that ancient Indian metalworkers had great knowledge of chemistr...
Read more