Gates of Delhi

The Gates of Delhi were city gates at various medieval townships around Delhi, built under dynastic rulers in the period that could be dated from the 8th century to the 20th century. They are the gates in:

• The ancient city of Qila Rai Pithora or Lal Kot, also called the first city of Delhi (period 731–1311) in Mehrauli – Qutb Complex
• The second city of Siri Fort (1304)
• The third city Tughlaqabad (1321–23);
• The fourth city of Jahanpanah (mid-14th century)
• The fifth city of Firozabad (1354)
• The sixth city of Dinpanah/Shergarh (1534), near Purana Qila
• The seventh city Shahjahanabad (mid 17th century)
• The eighth modern city New Delhi, built in the 1920s during the British rule

In 1611, the European merchant William Finch described Delhi as the city of seven castles (forts) and 52 gates. More gates were built after that period during the Mughal rule and during the British rule. Only 13 gates exist in good condition, while all others are in ruins or have been demolished. Like all gates denote, the direction of the destination station is the starting name of the gate.