Hyderabad is often referred to as the Walled City by many historians. Although the signs of walled city, its doors and gates are vanishing with the times, but their mention is of high historical importance.
The city wall was erected after the collapse of Qutub Shahi kingdom int he last days of the Subedarship of Mubraiz Khan, Imadul Mulk, during the reign of the Moghal King Farrukh Siyar. It was built from Chaderghat Gate to the Gate of Dabirpura, of uneven stone and mortar without turret-parapets.
The rest of the wall which is surrounded by turret parapets was done by Asaf Jah I. The circumference of the entire wall is 6 miles and the area is about four-and-a-half miles. It was extensively repaired by Bahadur Dil Khan Shujauddowlah, a governor of Hyderabad, during the reign of Asaf Jah II. On either sides of the river Musi the parapet wall and battlements were renovated by the Hyderabad Improvement Trust Board under the command of seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan.
The city wall had 13 gates and 13 doors. The gates are: Chaderghat Darwaza, Delhi Darwaza, Afzal Darwaza, Champa Darwaza, Narva Darwaza, Dud Bowli Darwaza, Ghazi Banda or Fateh Darwaza, Aliabad Darwaza, Gowlipura Darwaza, Mir Jumla Darwaza, Yaqootpura Darwaza and Dabirpura Darwaza.
The doors or windows of Hyderabad are: Borah Khidki, Mir Jumla Khidki, Matha-ki-Khidki, Rangeli Khidki, Bhodla Khiki, Darulshifa Khidki, Kalala Khidki, Dhobi Khidki, Hasan Ali Khidki, Champa Khidki, Char Mahal Khidki, Doodbowli Khidi and Kahar Khidki.
These “khidkis” and “darwazas” of Hyderabad have lost their importance after the extinction of erstwhile State of Hyderabad. They lost prominence due to the rapid urbanisation of areas where they are located. However, if the authorities take some interest, then these symbols of historical importance can regain their lost prominence.