Sultan Ahmed Shah founded Ahmedabad in 1411.  The city is known for its rich history and architecture. In the past, its majestic gates—known as Darwazas—were key gateways. Every gate exhibited the creative and cultural core of its time and offered security. While many think there were 12 gates, historians have found up to 21, each with its distinct narrative and importance.

1. Bhadra Fort Gates

Original fortification of the city, the Bhadra Fort had eight gates:

• Ganesh Gate was named after Lord Ganesha and reflected the Sultanate’s appreciation for indigenous traditions.
• Ram Gate was dedicated to Lord Rama showing the harmonic coexistence of several communities.
• Architectural grace of Baradari Gate was well-known, which resulted in the royal residences inside the fort.

2. The Gate of Shahpur

Situated in the north-west, Shahpur Gate was a notable northern entryway. It promoted trade and migration across nearby areas.

3. Delhi Gate (Darwaja)

Facing north, Delhi Darwaja connected Ahmedabad to the Mughal capital, Delhi. This gate had a vital role in trade and cultural contacts between the two cities.

4. Dariyapur Gate

It is located in the north-east, and was crucial for traders from Rajasthan and beyond. The gate’s design represents a combination of regional architectural traditions and symbolizes the merging of civilizations.

5. Prem Darwaja

Also known as “Idariyo Darwaja,” Prem Darwaja stands as a symbol of love and tradition. Legends talk of love tales related to this gate, giving a dimension of mystique to its past.

6. Kalupur Gate

Serving as the eastern entryway, Kalupur Gate was essential for traders entering from central India. Its advantageous position made it a lively hub of activity.

7. Panchkuva Gate

When railways were installed in 1864, the British built Panchkuva Gate.  It facilitated trade and travel.  The name, which translates to “five wells,” suggests that people and visitors previously depended on the water supplies that were close by.  

8. Sarangpur Gate

Sarangpur Gate in the south-east was crucial for southern trade routes. The gate’s architecture incorporates Islamic design features.

9. Raipur Gate

In the southeast, Raipur Gate operated as a lively entrance for tourists and traders.  Its proximity to marketplaces made it a lively neighborhood that supported the local economy. 

10. Astodia Gate

The southwest’s Astodia Gate is noteworthy for its balconies and carvings.  The city’s rich background is reflected in its combination of Islamic and Hindu design. 

11. Mahuda Gate

Once a significant southern entryway, Mahuda Gate has since been closed. Its vestiges remind us of the city’s growing infrastructure and the alterations in its urban landscape.

12. Jamalpur Gate

Jamalpur Gate in the south was vital for linking Ahmedabad to the southern provinces. The gate’s construction ensured the city’s security against prospective invaders.

13. Khan Jahan Gate

Situated in the south-west, Khan Jahan Gate is a testimony to the city’s military construction. Its design stresses functionality while preserving visual appeal.

14. Raikhad Gate

Raikhad Gate or Raikhad Darwaja is one of the medieval gates with stone arches and an iron-plated door.

15. Manek Gate

Named after the revered saint Maneknath, Manek Gate carries religious importance. The gate’s closeness to Manek Chowk, a busy market, made it a focal point of everyday activity.

16. Khanpur Gate

Located in the north-west, Khanpur Gate was a significant entry point for travelers from the western areas. The gate’s architecture follows the military methods of the time, guaranteeing both defense and accessibility.

17. Ganesh Bari

Ganesh Bari, however lesser-known, is notable for its cultural value. Named after Lord Ganesha, it highlights the incorporation of religious ideas into the city’s design.

18. Rakhial Gate

Rakhial Gate on the eastern side of Ahmedabad, served as a significant entry point for visitors and commerce. Its advantageous position helped business, linking the city to numerous regions. Over time, the adjacent region, Rakhial, grew into a busy industrial and residential sector. The closeness to the railway line and the Kharicut Canal further aided its growth, making it a prominent industrial hub.

19. Halim ni Khidki

Halim ni Khidki, translating to “Halim’s Window,” was a minor gate located on the northern edge of the city. Unlike the bigger gates, this tiny gateway had specific, possibly more discrete, objectives. Its existence emphasizes the city’s architecture, accommodating both major and minor routes to handle traffic flow and security properly.

20. Kharu Gate

Kharu Gate was created near Karanj to supply soldiers with an extra post. This gate’s placement demonstrates the military forethought in the city’s layout, ensuring that defensive positions were well-distributed to guard against prospective attackers.

21. Shah-e-Alam Gate

Named after the famed Sufi saint Shah-e-Alam, this gate granted entry to the suburb holding the saint’s shrine. The gate allowed travel and reflected the spiritual value of the place, inviting pilgrims and visitors alike.

Conclusion

The Darwazas of Ahmedabad remain as timeless monuments of the city’s rich past. They embody tales of architectural genius, strategic insight, and cultural blending. It is important for  both authorities and residents to maintain and conserve these gates for future generations to experience their beauty and importance. Stay tuned for more such insights.