1 Answer
The name **Mori Gate** comes from a historical gate in the old walled city of **Shahjahanabad** (present-day **Old Delhi**, India), which was built by the Mughal emperor **Shah Jahan** in the 17th century. The walled city had 14 gates, each with a specific name and strategic or symbolic significance. **Mori Gate** was one of these gates, and its name is tied to its practical function and local terminology.
### Meaning of "Mori":
The word **"Mori" (मोरी)** in several Indian languages (like Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu) refers to:
* A **small drain** or **gutter**
* A **narrow passage**
* Or sometimes a **sewage outlet**
Because of this, **Mori Gate** was believed to be the gate near or over a **drainage outlet** or **sewer channel**, distinguishing it from other more grand or ceremonial gates of the city like **Lahori Gate**, **Ajmeri Gate**, etc. In essence, it was more of a utility gate than a main entrance.
### Historical Context:
* **Location**: Mori Gate was on the **northern side** of the city wall.
* **Function**: It likely served as a **less formal entry/exit point**, possibly used by workers or for goods transportation rather than royal processions.
* **British Period**: During the British colonial period, Mori Gate gained importance due to its proximity to key areas like **Kashmere Gate**, and the British used these gates strategically during the **1857 First War of Independence** (Indian Rebellion).
### Modern Usage:
Today, the name **Mori Gate** survives as a locality in Old Delhi, often associated with:
* Book markets
* Coaching centers
* Transport depots (e.g., the **ISBT** or **Inter-State Bus Terminus** nearby)
So, the name **Mori Gate** is a historical remnant that reflects both the **functional nature** of the gate in Mughal-era Delhi and its evolution over centuries into a bustling modern neighborhood.
Would you like a map showing the old city gates of Shahjahanabad for better understanding?
### Meaning of "Mori":
The word **"Mori" (मोरी)** in several Indian languages (like Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu) refers to:
* A **small drain** or **gutter**
* A **narrow passage**
* Or sometimes a **sewage outlet**
Because of this, **Mori Gate** was believed to be the gate near or over a **drainage outlet** or **sewer channel**, distinguishing it from other more grand or ceremonial gates of the city like **Lahori Gate**, **Ajmeri Gate**, etc. In essence, it was more of a utility gate than a main entrance.
### Historical Context:
* **Location**: Mori Gate was on the **northern side** of the city wall.
* **Function**: It likely served as a **less formal entry/exit point**, possibly used by workers or for goods transportation rather than royal processions.
* **British Period**: During the British colonial period, Mori Gate gained importance due to its proximity to key areas like **Kashmere Gate**, and the British used these gates strategically during the **1857 First War of Independence** (Indian Rebellion).
### Modern Usage:
Today, the name **Mori Gate** survives as a locality in Old Delhi, often associated with:
* Book markets
* Coaching centers
* Transport depots (e.g., the **ISBT** or **Inter-State Bus Terminus** nearby)
So, the name **Mori Gate** is a historical remnant that reflects both the **functional nature** of the gate in Mughal-era Delhi and its evolution over centuries into a bustling modern neighborhood.
Would you like a map showing the old city gates of Shahjahanabad for better understanding?