Gates of Gujarat denote the history of warfare and battles against the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Dynasty. Some of the gates are constructed in modern era to mark the victory of Hinduism in the modern state of Gujarat.
In early medieval era, Gujarat was the fortified city. Most of the gates in medieval era were constructed in Ahmedabad area. It is known as the Old Ahmedabad.
The history of Ahmedabad traces its early settlement of Ashaval in 1411 AD by Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat Sultanate. He built the first citadel, Bhadra Fort starting from Manek Burj, the first bastion of the city. The Bhadra Fort had eight gates excluding palace gates. When the city expanded, Ahmed Shah built the second fort which was later fortified by Mahmud Begada in 1486. The second fort had twelve major gates and other smaller gates. After arrival of Indian railways, British Government in India built two more gates to facilitate the movement of railways.
Akshardwar, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhavnagar District
Akshardwar is the gateway of Shri Swaminarayan temple located in Bhavnagar District of Gujarat. It is the modern gate in Gujarat, built with excellent art work of modern India.
Gates of Ahmedabad
The royal and fortified gates of Ahmedabad were established in medieval era to strengthen the capital against the foreign attacks. Here most people in Old Ahmedabad believe that Ahmedabad had 12 gates. But some historian suggested having 16 gates. Later some historians found that Ahmedabad had 21 gates.
Sayajirao Palace Gate, Vadodara
Sayajirao Palace Gate in Vadodara is an example of excellent art work in late medieval era. This gate was inspired from Maratha art and architecture. The Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture is also dominant there.
Tan Darvajaa, Dhoraji
Tan Darvajaa of Dhoraji is the entrance of the old city of Dhoraji. It is an old fortified city in Gujarat. It was ruled by Kumbhaji II of Gondal State from Princely State of Junagadh about the middle of the eighteenth century. Tan Darwajaa was erected during the rule of British Government in India. Dhoraji also has the old fort which was established with beautiful art and architecture.
Teen Darwaza, Bhadra Fort, Ahmedabad
Teen Darwaza is a historical gateway on the east of Bhadra Fort which is located in Ahmedabad. The construction of Teen Darwaza was completed in 1415. This historical gate is associated with historical as well as legendary events in Ahmedabad. The gates are featured in the administrative symbol of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in modern times. It was built by Ahmed Shah I immediately after the foundation of Ahmedabad and completed in 1415. Later it came under the rule of Marathas. The inscription on the pillar of Teen Darwaza inscribed as the inheritance of the property from the Mughals to the Marathas.