A small town located in the Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh, Chanderi is known for its exquisite fabrics. Apart from a thriving weaving industry, the beauty of Chanderi lies in its regal radiance and iconic monuments. One of these is the Kati Ghati gate, which has come to attention after a scene from the horror movie “Stree 2” was filmed there. Starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, the movie follows the life of the people in a small village of Chanderi, said to be protected by a good ghost.

　　At 230 feet above ground level, Kati Ghati is a vast corridor hewn out of a single rock that connects Bundelkhand with Malwa. Here’s what you should know about this striking monument.

　　A Dark Legend Haunts The Place

　　Though not striking in structure or embellished with carvings, the gate is an architectural feat and a symbol of the power of human will. The most popular tale involves Jiman Khan, the son of the then governor of Chanderi, who commissioned the gate to be constructed in order to welcome the Sultan of Malwa, Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji. Considering the time crunch, Jiman Khan announced a handsome reward to anyone who could cut down the rock in one night. Only one mason agreed to complete the project.

　　By dawn, the gate was completed, but in the rush to do so, the mason had forgotten to allocate space for the door hinges, leaving a wide entrance without doors that offered no protection against enemy invasion. The joy of Jiman Khan was shortlived upon noticing this folly, so he decided not to reward the mason. This upset the mason so much that he took his own life at the same spot. Locals say the location is haunted and that the spirit of the mason roams the area. To this day, Kati Ghati gate has no door.

　　The mason’s death has turned the gate into one of Chanderi’s most famous tourist attractions. An alternate story about Kati Ghati suggests that when a hill obstructed the passage of Babur’s army to enter Chanderi, he ordered his men to cut down the hill and make a way to enter the town. However, this version of the story is less commonly known.

　　No matter which tale is true, a visit to the Kati Ghati gate offers spellbinding views of the surrounding landscape and it is well worth a visit. Don't miss a trip to the nearby Chanderi Fort, which played a critical role in the military and trade endeavours of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal empire.

　　(With inputs from multiple news sources)