One Of The Oldest Delhi Landmarks Lying Next To The Yamuna: Nigambodh Gate

Along the Ring Road, in the Northeastern part of Old Delhi lies the remnants of the Nigambodh Gate. It was one of the 14 gates built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and currently nothing much remains of the gate, except a wall structure made of red sandstone. Even though it is tucked away in the vicinity of Old Delhi, it has beautifully blended with the modern buildings and architecture which reminds one of a few lines from an eminent poet -

Henry W. Longfellow’s “A Psalm of Life”: 

"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time."

The Departed

Lying near this gate is Nigambodh Ghat which is one of the oldest places for performing the Hindu funeral rites. It is an open area along the Yamuna River and is the busiest place with more than 50 to 60 funerals taking place at a time. The entrance has a huge picture of Lord Shiva on the wall and people are found mourning while doing the needful as they perform the last rites of their loved ones. The traditional way of performing a funeral is still preferred by people even though the electric crematorium and a CNG-run crematorium are set up adjacent to this place to facilitate this deed. 

Other Places Of Interest

The Red Fort along the Ring Road is one of the famous landmarks of the city. Adjacent to the Red Fort, is the Swatantra Senani Smarak, built in the memory of the prisoners of the Indian National Army (INA) who were tortured and killed here by the British during the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857, the time when the Nigambodh Gate held much significance for stopping the mutineers to enter the city. It is interesting to note that this smarak (memorial) was a few decades ago known as the Salimgarh Fort. 

The Bazaar

Just after a few minutes’ walk along the lanes on the right side of the Ring Road is the Yamuna Bazaar, one of the oldest, but lesser known markets selling spices, clothes and household utility items etc at comparatively cheaper prices. It’s easy to spot roadside vendors selling tangy and spicy green channa and chaat served in a plate made of dried leaves or an ice cream pushcart selling different flavoured ice creams besides many others selling various items such as handkerchiefs and belts.

An Arya Samaj Temple is also situated at the other end of the road. Numerous marriages are performed following Vedic rites here. This hall can accommodate people in good numbers and it’s mostly busy during the wedding season. The nearest metro station to the Nigambodh Gate is Kashmiri Gate. 

Pop by to visit the bazaar and maybe catch a glimpse of this macabre, yet historic site.

Picture Credits: Ankit Sharma (All Images)