The gate to Najafgarh

Standing before the Delhi Gate in the crowded market in Najafgarh in West Delhi,it is hard to imagine that this was where a decisive battle was fought between the sepoys and the British on August 25,1857. The gate,built in 1770 as a part of the bastion of Najaf Khan,a powerful minister living in Delhi during the decline of Mughal rule,has been partially renovated with a new name: Vaid Kishori Lal Dwar. However,like the city’s other landmarks that have been renamed,the older name has stuck.

The late Mughal period red brick structure with pointed arches also has a plaque that says it was witness to the Battle of Najafgarh. Today,without any protection from the Archaeological Survey of India,it shares its walls with the Municipal Corporation office next door and faces chaotic traffic,a marketplace and an animal hospital. One thing,however,hasn’t changed: From the time of Najaf Khan to now,it is the centre of the neighbourhood.

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Najaf Khan,whose tomb lies near Safdarjung’s Tomb,had,in fact,built four gates leading to his fortress and it’s only Delhi Gate that has survived. The battle this gate witnessed was significant because it was the last of the battles before the fall of Delhi. Also,in many ways it exposed the lack of coordinated leadership as well as infighting among the leaders.

Bakht Khan,a veteran artillery officer of the East India Company,who rebelled against the British,had been appointed commander by Bahadur Shah Zafar. The British were led by Brigadier John Nicholson.

Historical accounts talk about the British destroying the bridge near Palam and the sepoys’ attempt to retreat through the swamp in Najafgarh. After their defeat,the sepoys were on the defensive and soon the walled city came under heavy artillery fire. The defences started crumbling and within three weeks of the battle here,the British had entered the city.