Dakhil Darwaza, Gour, Mahdipur, Malda, West Bengal, India.
Gaur, which has lost its identity, can be revived through tourism. The excellent monuments located here are national heritage and the Department of Culture and Archeology will have to upgrade this area. Dakhil Darwaza is one such magnificent monument which epitomizes grandeur and is a splendid example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
This grand gate, about fifteen meters high, will not be wrong if it is called the finest creation of the advanced, excellent and successful architecture of the independent Bengal Sultanate. It was constructed during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah as the main entrance to the citadel when Gaur became the capital.
Looking at the grand structure, it appears that it was rebuilt during the reign of the Hussain Shahi dynasty. Because construction engineering and architecture were at their best during this period as this gate portrayed.
Bricks have been mainly used in the construction and the inner walls of the gate which are covered with stone till the springing, from where the rounding of the vaulted roof begins. Either side of the vaulted passage guardroom which are accessible through arched openings. Entrance and exit are flanked with Iwans.
The decoration of the entrance is not much. Like the contemporary monuments, all the ornamentation work is done on terracotta i.e. on bricks. These ornamental work includes string moldings on the base levels, vertical relief works on the twelve sided pillars built on the corners, arch panels in window shapes that carry traditional ornamental motifs etc.
This majestic gate, also known as Salami Darwaza, represents the golden age of independent Bengali Saltanate and its strength and grandeur represent the respect and graces of the Sultans.
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