Delhi Darwaza (Delhi Gate)

“Dilli” or “Delhi Darwaja” and also known as “Idariyo Darwajo” was built during the rule of Abu'l Fath Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah I. Or more famously known as Mahmud Begada That “Begada” word comes from the “Guajarati be means two”, and “gadh”, a fort, the people giving him this title in honor of his capture of two forts Junagadh of Girnar in 1472 A.D. and Pavagadh of Champaner in 1484 A.D.

It was before that Muhammad Begada marched against Bír Rái of Idar State, to conquer the fort but on that chief agreeing to give him his daughter in marriage, he confirmed him in the possession of his state and thus the Dilli Darwaja is also known as “Idariyo Darwajo” as Sultan marched from there. In later years that it was gateway to Delhi Sultanate, was named Delhi Darwaja and carried own the same way to reach Delhi.

Apart from Sultan Mahmud Begada about few hundred meters ahead towards Shahibaug from Delhi Darwaja the Temple of Hutheesing in Gujarati “Hutheesingna Derasar” is the best known Jain temple. It was constructed in 1848 A.D. The construction of the temple was initiated originally planned by Sheth Hathisinh Kesarisinh, a wealthy Ahmedabad trader who died at the age 49. Then construction was supervised and completed by his wife Shethani Harkunvar. The total cost was approximately INR 8 lakhs, then a major sum. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dharmanatha, the 15th Jain Tirthankar out of 24.

Today in left side of the Delhi Darwaja are line of seasonal shops which sales products according to festivities like fire crackers in Diwali, Kites during Uttrayan, Colors during Holi etcetera.

There are Old Pedhis (Trading Firms) of traders out of which very few of them survives today trading in Ghee (Clarified Butter) & Gud (Jaggery) gôḷ in Gujarati of more than 5 to 6 verities. A very famous tradition of Gujarati Engagements of offering Gol-Dhana, literally "Jaggery and Coriander seeds".

Fort wall, made of terracotta bricks, lime mortar and external lime plaster. Has carvings of Elephant and Lion beautifully carved as window over edge both sides. This too was adopted as “Ashlar masonry” used in construction during those days.

The doors of iron-plated timber, the gateway of three stone arches fifteen feet broad and twenty-two high with a roofed platform 32 feet x 20 feet pierced for one gun. In 1878, on either side of the main
gateway, two openings, each 8 feet wide and 16 feet high were added for foot passengers at a cost of £489 (INR 4890) by Britisher’s which amounts to cost today approximately at INR 33,11,250.

What makes it a rare to “Amdavadis” as they famously called by. These were integral to their lives and daily routines and had in fact, acquired some sense of collective bond. Which is why, as late as on April 21, 1831, citizens of Ahmedabad, on their own initiatives, without waiting for authorities, took up the restoration of the fort walls affected by floods, earthquake and vandalism.

Setting an apt example of local self-governance, citizens formed the committee and by voluntarily levying Octroi on Ghee, raised two and half lakh Rupees fund then, for city wall restoration. Well appreciating the value and sentiments of the citizens later even the British raj spent money in restoring the entire wall in early twentieth century.

Must visit places near Dilli Darwaja are as follows:
- Hutheesing temple The timing is from 9 AM to 6 PM. Indian Dress or Non Casual is preferable considering the religious point of view. It is open to all.
- If you come to Dilli Darwaja and have Missed Farki brothers in Dilli Chakla then no worries Delhi Darwaja also has the main shop where Chinu Bhai Farki started his business to make and sale best lassi’s which turn out to be larger group now operating from more than 15 Outlets from a humble beginning in 1960. You may call 7405-013255 for inquires.
- Shahibaug, Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad Cantonment.
- Alpana is a haveli built in Gujarati Haveli style with traditional carvings and rich teakwood workmanship. The haveli is appointed with 18th century, 19th and 20th century furniture. The property is owned by the prominent business family of Anant Jhaveri, the current owner. Opposite State Guest House, Shahibaug, Airport Road, You may call 079 – 22860463.
- You may also visit Ibrahim Bhai’s Lajawab Restaurant for Bhaji Gosht with Mkkhanwali Roti is must eat for non-vegetarian food lovers.