Bhadkal Gate

Sam Zam 12 months ago

Aurangabad is known as city of gates becuase of 52 gates built at the every entrance in the city. Out of the 52 big gates,the most famous, oldest and biggest of them is the Bhadkal Gate, which was built by Malik Ambar in commemoration of his victory.

Rizwan Ahmed 11 months ago

Bhadkal Gate is very popular in Aurangabad town due to its old and massive structure constructed in the center of the city on the south west of Naukhanda palace. It is the biggest gate in the Deccan. The original name of this gate was Bahar-kul Darwaza meaning a Victory gate.

The History of this gate tells the story of the Mughal Governor of Gujarat Abdullah Khan who attacked Nizam Shahi Kingdom, but was badly defeated by a brave general Malik Ambar in the Battle. (1611 A.D.) The victory Gate was probably raised on the place where the war was won.

Bhadkal gate is built independently at a high ground. The technology used for the construction of this gate is different from the technology used for other gates and buildings in Aurangabad at the present time. Column structure with sharp and vertical columns was used for the first time in Bhadkal gate (1612 A.D.) at that time. Bhadkal gate is unique due to the variety of pointed and domed roofs used in the gate. The Bhadkal gate is double-storey and in the lower part there are two arched rooms inside. Its first floor is called Nagarkhana. This is accessed by steps from the southern exterior. The upper floor structure stands on eight pillars. The central domed roof of the gate is square In shape and these sharp edges on all sides meet at the center of the square. The interspersion of this arch and the rising sharp edges has formed a starry decoration in the dome. It has three open arches on all four sides. It has a 7 feet tall watch tower. From which the whole city can be seen. The construction of this massive structure is made of lime and square shaped black basalt stones by skilled artisans from Deccan. The total length of this gate is 19.80m. X 19.80m, and height is 19.05m. The arched portion of the gate is engraved with lotus symbols on both sides. emblematic of Malik Ambar's architectural style. The gate facade bears a marble inscription signed by Nizam Tehsildar Ghulam Ahmad Khan. A portion of a poem

by Nizam's court poet 'Nusrati' is engraved on it. Bhadkal gate has been standing witness to the glory of the city of Aurangabad for almost 400 years. Considering the architectural style, magnificence and historical importance of this double-storied gate, this monument has been declared as State protected monument of Maharashtra State under the -Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act, 1960.