A part of Indiaonline network empowering local businesses
Home city guide walled city of ahmedabad

Walled City of Ahmedabad

The city of Ahmedabad was established in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed shah, however it was much later in 1469 when the king of Gujarat province Mohammad Begda- built the city wall with its gates. These walls were like any other fort walls that existed during the medieval era.

City of Wall Ahmedabad

However for Ahmedabad the Fort wall and the city gates continued to live in psyche of its citizens. The citizens on April 21, 1831, decided to start their own initiatives without waiting for authorities. They began restoring the fort walls, which were severely affected by natural calamities and vandalism.

The citizens of Ahmedabad formed a committee which voluntarily is said to have levied octroi on Ghee. They raised a fund of approximately two and half Lakh Rupees then to restore the city wall. Seeing this the British raj is also said to have spent money in restoring the entire wall in early twentieth century as appreciation.

Wall Fort Ahmedabad

Wall Fort

The Fort wall was made of terracotta bricks, lime mortar and external lime plaster and is said to have had 21 stone-clad gates. A 10 km long wall was built surrounding the city's circumference to  protect it from invasion. This wall is originally said to have 21 gates and 189 bastions. The gates are beautifully adorned with carvings, calligraphy and even balconies in a few. Most of the 21 darwazas came up during the Mughal period.

Ganesh Darwaza once existed in the area that now survives under the Ellis Bridge, and was used by people to access the banks of the Sabarmati River. The Mahudha Gate was also built in the Panch Kuva area and was used for the transit of goods. The Kharu Gate was erected to give the soldiers an additional post.



Halim Darwaza which is now completely destroyed, once stood in the Shahpur area. This too was used by the soldiers to march through the city from this gate. The Salapas gate that was meant to be used by the Queen's convoy, stood very close to what is the Advance Talkies area in present day.

The Sarangpur Darwaza is was used as an entry and exit to for the people. Shahpur darwaza lead people to the Sabarmati River. The Astodia darwaza served as a key trading entry for the city. Dyes used to be brought into the city using this point. The Bhadra darwaza was used by the rulers of other states to enter the city of Ahmedabad. The Dilli (Delhi) Darwaza, true to its name was the exit point leading to the city of Delhi; while the Jamalpur Darwaza was the exit point leading to Vadodara and other cities.



While the Khanejahan was an emergency exit from the city, the Khanpur Darwaza was entrance to king’s garden. The Prem Darwaza was used for the carriage of goods coming and going out of the city. It was primarily used by the traders. The Raipur darwaza was used by commoners to enter and exit the city.

The teen darwaza used to lead the people to the market space while the Dariapur Darwaza was used by the infantry. The soldiers and their convoys used the Dariapur gate to enter and exit the city. The Kalupur Darwaza was used to bring in the food supplies to the city. The Raikhad Darwaza was used by the people to access the Sabarmati. The Panch Kuwa Darwaza was built much later, when the city started expanding.

The Lal Darwaza once was there in front of the Siddi Sayyed Jali. Today, you wont find any trace of the gate.

Quick Facts:

Location: Spread all over the Old City area.

How to reach the gates:
Most gates are in walking distance to each other. You may use a rickshaw too.

Open: Accessible all seven days of the week. Can be visited at any hour of the day.

Entry fees: Admission is free

Photography charges:
Nil

Explore more about About Ahmedabad

Major Cities You Must Know

Are you a Business Owner?

Add the products or services you offer

Promote your business on your local city site and get instant enquiries

+ LIST YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE