Gates in Aurangabad

One of the things that makes Aurangabad stand out from the several other medieval cities in India were its 52 "gates", each of which have a local history or had individuals linked with them. Not many people are aware of the fact that Aurangabad is also known as the "City of Gates". Out of 52 only 4 main and 9 subordinate gates have survived, the most famous and oldest and biggest of them being the Bhadkal Gate near the Naukhanda Palace of Nizams.

 

When Aurangzeb made Aurangabad his capital, there were 54 suburbs which were walled in like the city itself, the chief of these were Begampura and Aurangpura. The four principal entrances face the cardinal points, and consist of the Delhi gate on the north, the Jalna gate on the east, the Paithan gate on the south, and the Mecca gate on the west. Besides these, there are the Jaffar, Khirki, Barapul, Mahmud and Roshan gates; as well as four others, now closed, the Khizri, Khadgar, Mada, and Kumhar. The Barapul had also been walled up for some time.

 

Bhadkal Gate: Bhadkal Gate is a building in Aurangabad City, India. This gate is the biggest gate of city. It was built by Ahmadnagar's, Murtaza Nizamshah's Vazir Malik Ambar. It was built in memory of victory against Mughal in 1612. It is also known as victory gate. Bhadkal Gate has unique architectural style. It is India's first column structural Building.

 

Delhi Gate: The largest and the most stately, it was built by Aurangzeb. It is situated to the north of the city facing Delhi. It is similar to Lahore gate of Delhi’s Lal Quila (Red Fort).

 

Paithan Gate: The gate is smaller in size and was royal gateway leading to Paithan town. This gate is smaller in size compared to other gates.

 

Mecca or Makai Gate: This gate leads to Begumpura another walled quarter of the city, and is the only gate that has a canon installed on it. It faces the holy city of Mecca towards the west.

 

Khas or Jalna Gate: The gate is simple in design but was disintegrating. It has been restored recently. It faces the Jalna city in the east.

 

Kaala Darwaza: This gate leads to the palace fort of Qila–e-Ark. The palace had its own fortification walls and had five gates other than the Kaala darwaza all gates are in ruins.

 

Roshan Gate: This gate is located to the north of Jalna gate or Khas gate. It is bigger in size and stature as compared to Jalna gate. Roshan gate is said to have been named after Aurangezeb’s sister Roshanara to whom the emperor was much attached and she remained his favorite friend and advisor.