Information on Kati Ghati (Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh) - History & Architecture

Kati Ghati is located in the ancient town of Chanderi, in the district of Ashoknagar, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, in Central India. It grandly stands at the southern side end of this town. According to the local legends and historians, this particular impressive large gate has been in a successful manner cut out of the live standing huge rock of the hill range which encloses this small town. It is a must visit place that should be seen by the domestic and foreign tourists.

Kati Ghati Architecture

Kati Ghati is about 240 feet above the town of Chanderi. This magnificent gate is nearly 85 feet wide and 30 feet high. It is to be highly noted that this entry gate is largely used since its construction by guests and visitors from Bundelkhand and Malwa for entering into Chanderi. As per the historians and local legends, this gate was cut with live swords by a mason and hard working team force within a stipulated time frame. It also largely reflects the hard work that is blended with dedication and commitment shown in the making of this particular heraldic structure with a lot of perfection. It directly connects Malwa on the south and Bundelkhand on the north. An inscription both in Nask and Devnagari scripts are found on this gateway.

Kati Ghati History

Kati Ghati was officially commissioned by Jiman Khan, the son of the then Governor of Chanderi, Sher Khan in AD 1495. It was build in order warmly welcome the Sultan of Malwa, Ghyasuddin Khilji, who was to about to arrive in the ancient town the very next day. It is strongly believed that the frantic Jiman Khan officially announced a handsome award for any killed and talented mason who would really be able to successfully carve out the large gate in one night period of time frame. It is to be remembered that only one mason wholeheartedly accepted this particular challenge plus assured the king that he with his hardworking crew would in a successful manner accomplish this assignment. The very next morning, the king was surprised pleasantly to see the large gateway in the said place. He further inspection and noticed that it actually lacked the important provision for door hinges for safety and security reason. The gate was situated at a strategically important place. Jiman Khan immediately refused to pay the said award to the stone mason for making this particular mistake. So the mason walked away with empty hand despite the strong fact that he had successfully accomplished the really impossible task. Later, the inconsolable and dejected manson committed suicide. On the other hand, till today, the gate proudly stands without a door. This particular gateway and its interesting tale have captured the attention of the visitors with a lot of perfection.

Kati Ghati Tourism Importance

Kati Ghati is one of the special gateways of India that is most visited by foreign and local visitors and tourists with great interest. They can feel and experience of the wonderful medieval structure. It can be easily reached from the heart of the ancient town of Chanderi. In the Indian history, this gateway has lot of architectural and historical significance. It is an important landmark of this town visited by large number of tourist with keen interest. It really speaks a volume about the bygone era and its past and present glory. It is still intact as was in the olden days.