Khooni Darwaza, Stone gate in Central Delhi, India
Khooni Darwaza is a stone gate in central Delhi built from quartzite with a height of approximately 15 meters. It features three sets of staircases and decorated archways connected to the main passageway at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg.
The gate became notorious in 1857 when British officer William Hodson executed three Mughal princes here, giving it the name meaning Bloody Gate. This tragic event transformed the structure into a symbol of the violence of that period.
The gate was originally known as Kabuli Darwaza and served as an important passage for trade caravans traveling between Delhi and Afghanistan. It marked a significant point where merchants and travelers moved goods and people during the Mughal era.
The gate is positioned on a traffic divider opposite the Feroz Shah Kotla grounds and internal areas are currently restricted for structural preservation. Visitors should observe the site from outside and respect the active traffic as it sits on a busy street.
The structure features three distinct levels connected by separate staircases, suggesting its role as a display platform for executed criminals in medieval times. This multi-level arrangement shows sophisticated crowd management design at this critical trade crossing.
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