Delhi Gate

Delhi 100

Delhi/Dilli Gate of Najafgarh, New Delhi

Photo: Delhi Gate, Najafgarh (from my mobile phone)

It is a matter of great pride for every citizen of India that Delhi, is celebrating 100 proud years for being the Capital of India.  It was in year 1911 during the rule of Imperial power the capital was shift from Calcutta (present Kolkata) to Delhi. 100 years is indeed a very long time period.

Delhi is a historical city with plethora of monuments narrating the enigmatic past of it. I have been fortunate to see most of the popular historical monuments and buildings of Delhi including India Gate, Red Fort, Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar, Old Fort, Lotus Temple, Parliament of India and so. But, the monument which attracts my fascination is the one which I regularly visit. It is something which although being a part of Delhi’s history is not so popular. It is the Delhi/Dilli Gate of Najafgarh (Coordinates: 28°36′45″N 76°59′05″E, South-West Delhi). Almost every evening I pass through it when I am in the market and am sure all those who have been to Najafgarh, must have seen this gate. I have spent my childhood here in Najafgarh and have seen the transformation/renovation of the Dilli Gate from its original old structure to the present standing structure. Although the entire originality of the structure has been lost due to renovation, somehow, its existence at the exact location compensates this dejection. When I was in school I use to bring my stationery items from the bookshops nearby to it. Just near to Delhi Gate is famous Pakode-wala, who had this expertise in making lip-smacking, crunchy, spicy Pakodas. During rainy season, the aroma of Jalebi and Pakodas along with a nice cup of tea makes this shop bustling with crowd.

This gate is an icon which represents Najafgarh as a historical place just like the India Gate represents the historical past of India. Najafgarh was named after the Qiledar (Fort General) of the Mughal Dynasty Nazaf Khan. There was a fort as well known as Najafgarh Fort. It had 4 gates in all directions but currently only one left which is this, Delhi Gate. This gate was built in 1790 A.D. It is the main entrance to this old city which is now the popular market of this area which resembles to be hundreds of years old. It is a very good and reasonable price market which remains crowded throughout the week. Historically, Najafgarh is one of the oldest city in Delhi along with Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk area), Mehrauli etc. It was part of Bahadur Shah -II Empire before the British came and took control of Delhi. There was a great battle fought between British Army and Najafgarh’s local freedom fighters and soldiers who rebelled in August 1857, in continuation with the 1857 Mutiny. The Delhi Gate has been a witness to all these events. It has seen time changing and society evolving from generation to generation. This gate welcomes you; its charm lies in its historicity, its location and its architecture. It’s a visual treat for all those who love to admire the past, the history!


Harish Benjwal