The untold stories behind India’s ancient gateways and city entrances

India’s ancient gateways are far more than stone entrances. Historians suggest these grand structures once acted as symbols of power, trade, protection and culture.

Some welcomed traders arriving by sea, while others marked the entrance to royal cities. Hidden behind their these ancient indian arches are stories of victories, legends and everyday life.

When thinking of famous gateways, Delhi’s India Gate and Mumbai’s Gateway of India easily come to mind but there are several lesser known ancient gateways, city and fort entrances in the country that are a repository of centuries-old stories rooted deeply rooted in the history.

Here are some fascinating gateways across India and the stories attached to them.

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1. Alai Darwaza, Delhi

Located in the Qutb Complex in Mehrauli, the Alai Darwaza was built in 1311 by Sultan Alauddin Khalji as the southern entrance to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

Historians say it holds a special place in Indo-Islamic architecture as one of the first Indian monuments built using true Islamic construction methods. The gateway is made of red sandstone and white marble and is known for its detailed carvings, Arabic calligraphy and horseshoe-shaped arches.

It is also believed to be the first structure in India with a true dome. It is said that Alauddin Khalji had planned four such gateways around the mosque, but only one could be completed before his death.

Today, the Alai Darwaza remains one of the most important structures inside the UNESCO-listed Qutb Complex.

2. Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

The Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1573 to celebrate his victory over Gujarat. Popularly known as the 'Door of Victory,' it still stands as one of the grandest gateways in India.

Standing nearly 54 metres high, historians describe it as the highest gateway in the world. A long flight of steps leading up to the structure adds to its towering appearance.

The gateway combines red and buff sandstone with white and black marble decorations. Large domed kiosks, decorative arches and marble inlay work reflect the brilliance of Mughal architecture.

A Persian inscription on the archway records Akbar’s victory in Gujarat, turning the gateway into both a monument and a historical record.

3. Teen Darwaza, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Built in 1415 by Ahmad Shah I soon after the founding of Ahmedabad, Teen Darwaza once served as the royal entrance to the palace grounds.

Historians mention that the grand arches opened into a large royal square called Maidan Shah, where rulers held ceremonies, military reviews and evening gatherings.

The gateway is also connected with one of Ahmedabad’s most famous legends. According to folklore, Goddess Lakshmi once tried to leave the city at night. A royal guard named Khawaja Siddique Kotwal stopped her and requested her to stay until he received permission from the king. It is believed that he sacrificed himself to ensure prosperity never left the city.

Teen Darwaza is also popularly known for an eternal lamp that has been burning near the gateway for over 600 years.

Another important moment linked to the gateway came in 1812, when a Maratha governor reportedly placed an inscription supporting equal inheritance rights for women.

4. Bhadkal Gate, Aurangabad, Bihar

The Bhadkal Gate in Aurangabad, Bihar was built in 1611 by Malik Ambar to celebrate a military victory against the Mughal governor of Gujarat.

Aurangabad was once known as the 'City of Gates' and is believed to have had nearly 52 gateways protecting the city. Historians say these gates were carefully designed for defence and trade, with some even featuring false doors and maze-like passages to confuse enemies.

Bhadkal Gate is considered one of the largest gateways in the Deccan region. It is also known for introducing a ribbed vault style in construction, a technique later used in the famous Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur.

Even today, the massive structure remains one of Aurangabad’s most historic landmarks.

5. Surajpole, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Surajpole, or the “Sun Gate,” was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as part of Jaipur’s original fortifications.

The gate faces east towards the rising sun, which is how it got its name. It is identified by paintings of two suns on its walls and also leads towards the famous Sun Temple near Galta Ji.

Known for its Rajput-style architecture and sturdy design, the gateway once marked an important entrance to the walled city.