The 7 Historic Gates of Jodhpur and Their Stories
Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan, is not just about majestic forts and royal palaces — it’s also about the ancient walls and gates that once protected the walled city. These seven gates, or “Darwaze,” are not just entry points; they are living reminders of Jodhpur’s glorious past, connecting the city’s history, trade, and culture.
Let’s take a walk through these original 7 gates of Jodhpur and discover their kahaniyaan.
1. Nagauri Gate
Nagauri Gate was the main northern entrance of the city, opening towards Nagaur.
Kahani Iske Peeche:
Ye gate strategically banaya gaya tha to guard the trade route from Nagaur, ek important trading town in Marwar. It was heavily fortified and used mainly by merchants and soldiers.
Aaj Kya Dekhein:
Gate ke aas-paas aapko local life ka asli flavour milega — vegetable sellers, cycle-repair shops, and old-style homes with wooden windows.
2. Sojati Gate
Located on the southeastern side, Sojati Gate connected the old city with Sojati village and the road towards Pali.
Itihas:
Yeh gate historically ek important trade route par tha, jahan se textile aur handicrafts ka exchange hota tha. Aaj bhi yeh area ek vibrant bazaar ke roop mein jana jata hai.
Explore This:
Street food, mehendi artists, aur colorful bangles ke stalls — sab yahi milte hain.
3. Jalori Gate
One of the most active and popular gates today, Jalori Gate opens towards the western side of the city.
Peeche Ki Kahani:
Yeh gate Jalor ke raste par padta tha. Is path se soldiers aur traders travel karte the. Fortification aur policing yahan kaafi strong thi.
Aaj Ka Scene:
Traffic se full, chaat stalls se bhara hua, aur har waqt bustling — Jalori Gate is a slice of daily Jodhpuri life.
4. Chand Pol (Chandpole)
Chand Pol, named after the moon (Chand), is a gate near the northeastern wall of the city.
Kya Khaas Hai:
Is gate se royal processions nikalti thi Mehrangarh Fort ke taraf. Chand Pol ka architecture bhi kaafi royal aur ornate tha.
Aaj Ke Din Mein:
Aapko yahan purane artisans milenge selling traditional Rajasthani items and quiet lanes leading into the blue city.
5. Merti Gate
Merti Gate faces north and connects to Merta city — the birthplace of Meera Bai.
Historical Importance:
Is gate ka naam Merta se hi aaya hai, jahan se ek prachin route connect karta tha. Merti Gate se royal guests bhi andar aate the during festivals.
Aaj Yahan Kya Hai:
Peaceful residential area with remnants of history in the architecture and stone carvings.
6. Siwanchi Gate
Siwanchi Gate lies on the southern side of the city walls and is relatively lesser-known among tourists.
Gate Ka Maqsad:
Is darwaze se grain traders aur cattle herders aate the. Yeh gate kaafi wide banaya gaya tha for easy passage of carts and livestock.
Local Feel:
Yahan aaj bhi aapko milenge old-fashioned shops, silversmiths, aur slow-paced life — perfect for authentic Jodhpur experience.
7. Ratanada Gate
Ratanada Gate connected the old city to the Ratanada suburb, jo ki ek important military aur administrative area tha.
Itihas Ka Rang:
British rule ke time pe bhi yeh gate strategically used hota tha for military access. Aaj bhi yeh route kaafi significant hai modern Jodhpur ke liye.
Kya Dekhein:
Nearby you’ll find colonial-era buildings, old police chowkis, and narrow bylanes full of local activity.
Why These Gates Matter
Yeh saare gates Jodhpur ki original walled city ka hissa hain. Unke through:
Traders, pilgrims, aur rulers travel karte the.
Cultural aur economic exchange hota tha.
City ko secure rakha jata tha from outside invasions.
Even today, inki architecture, carvings aur locations batate hain ki Jodhpur ka development kaise hua over centuries.
Tips for Gate Explorers
Best time to visit: October se March tak (pleasant weather)
How to travel: Old city ke gates cycle ya auto-rickshaw se easily explore kiye ja sakte hain
Kya leke jayein: Comfortable shoes, water bottle, and a camera — because har gate ke paas ek kahani hai
Final Thoughts
Jodhpur ke ye saat darwaze sirf pathar ki deewarein nahi hain — they are time machines. They take you into a world of royal processions, bustling trade routes, and old-world charm. Toh agle time jab aap Jodhpur aayein, Mehrangarh se seedha neeche utariye aur in gates ki galliyon mein kho jaiye.
Yahi hai Jodhpur ka asli magic — gate to gate, kahaniyon se bhara hua.
