Delhi Darwaza

About the Delhi Darwaza

One of the main gateways in the city fortifications, the Delhi Darwaza was probably given its name because it faced north towards Delhi. Today it forms the main entrance to the busy Sadar Bazaar, Chanderi's main shopping area, so it is one of the few monuments in town that most residents pass through rather than visit. An inscription in Persian and Arabic above the arch records that construction began during the reign of Sultan Nusrat Shah, under the direction of Dilawar Khan Ghori, and that it was completed in 1411 when Hoshung Shah was Sultan of Malwa.

Carving and inscription

The elephant riders

On the walls flanking the gate are large carvings of soldiers mounted on elephants and holding weapons. What is most surprising about them is that such figural representation is almost never found on Muslim constructions, which makes this gate genuinely unusual.

The Persian and Arabic inscription

Above the arch, an inscription in Persian and Arabic names Sultan Nusrat Shah, under whom work began, and Dilawar Khan Ghori, who directed it, and gives 1411 as the year of completion under Hoshung Shah. It is worth finding before you walk through into the bazaar.

Planning your visit

This is a gate in daily use at the mouth of the main market, not a quiet monument. Plan around the bazaar rather than against it.

• Come early if you want to photograph the carvings without crowds.
• Look up at the arch for the inscription.
• Examine both flanking walls for the elephant riders.
• Combine the visit with time in Sadar Bazaar for Chanderi weaving.

Best time to visit

The cooler months from October to March are the best season, and early morning is the best hour, before the Sadar Bazaar fills up and traffic makes the gate hard to stand back from. Shopping for Chanderi fabric is easier later in the day.