AURANGABAD DARWAZA

As you drive around Aurangabad, you will find it hard not to notice the large gates to the city still standing. At the time of Malik Ambar, the founder of the city, the city had only one gate: Bhadkal darwaza. In 1682, Aurangzeb decided to enlarge the city. He then added a fortified wall of about 10 km in circumference and 51 gates, so that the city has as many as weeks in the year. Today, only 13 gates remain standing (18 including those in ruins).

Bhadkal darwaza: it is the oldest and the highest gate of the city. It was built in 1612 by Murtaza, the vizier of Khirki, the first name given to the city. It is actually a triumphal arch celebrating the victory of Malik Ambar against Adullah Khan, the Mughal governor of Gujarat. 19 meters high, of massive structure, it introduces the style of ribbed vault in the region.

Delhi darwaza: northern gate of the city so named because it faces Delhi. It is likely that it was part of the Qila-Ark, the palace of Aurangzeb, which has now disappeared. Inspired by the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort of Delhi, it is built in a purely Mughal style: high arched porticoes leading to passages, flanked by massive buttresses and topped by battlements.

Mahmud darwaza: this narrow gate allows access to the Panchakki. A single arch opening, the door is topped by small crenellations and two belfries. It is one of the few doors of the city still accessible.