In the past, Lahore’s thirteen gates were used as thirteen separate entrances or portals to Walled City. The major part of Gates Of Lahore has been deteriorated over time, prompting the Britishers to rebuild and renovate some of them for the next generations.
The thirteen gates, constructed from iron and wood, provided access to Lahore city and were locked in the evening. Few historians believe that these gates were fourteen in number; however, this stance is not widely supported. The style in which these historical and architectural gates were built fully recognizes the power of former empires. The article carries every detail, including Gates Of Lahore History.
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Location: | Gates Of Lahore Punjab, Pakistan. |
| Type: | Historical Place |
| Famous Total Gates: | 12 |
| The Kashmiri Gate:: | The Kashmiri Gate is so-called because it faces the direction of Kashmir. |
| Local Language Name: | لاہور کے دروازے |
| Total Gates:: | 13 |
| Gates Name:: | Akbari Gate, Bhati Gate, Delhi Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Lahori Gate, Masti Gate, Mochi Gate, |
| The Raushnai Gate:: | The |
| Coordinates : | 31.584°N 74.317°E |
| Website: | www.tourism.gov.pk |
| The Taxali Gate:: | The Taxal or royal mint used to be in its neighborhood during the period of the Mahomedan Emperors. |
| Details | |
| Architectural style: | The old city houses a number of Lahore architecture, which has a strong influence on the Mughal style. … Some of the gates are known as Raushnai Gate, Masti Gate, Yakki Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Khizri Gate, Shah Burj Gate, Akbari Gate, and Lahori Gate. |
Table of Contents
Gates Of Lahore History
Lahore is the 2nd largest city of Pakistan and also its cultural hub; the city is of tremendous significance in history owing to its ancient civilization, wonderful architecture, and delicious delights.
This city, popular for the famed Butt Karahi, has been ruled by many empires in the old days and continues to evolve at a tremendous speed in all regions, from property development to tourism. There are the following thirteen gates in Lahore:
- Delhi Gate
- Roshnai Gate
- Akbari Gate
- Bhati Gate
- Yakki Gate
- Sheranwala Gate
- Kashmiri Gate
- Lohari Gate
- Masti Gate
- Mori Gate
- Shah Alam Gate
- Mochi Gate
- Taxali Gate
Delhi Gate
As the name indicates, this Gate had an opening towards the sub-continent capital Delhi. Located approximately four-hundred and fifty meters west of the Circular Road, it has a significant position to this day owing to its location. It links to the busiest and crowded railway station in Lahore.
Many evolving cities like Amritsar and Jalandhar are conveniently accessible through this gateway. Though its original structure collapsed and deteriorated during the British period, it was rebuilt and renovated again.
Roshni Gate
The Roshni Gate was linked to the Badshahi Masjid constructed during the seventeenth century. The Masjid is one of the largest Masjids in Pakistan. A most significant fact about this gateway is that it was used as a lighting source for Muslim inhabitants during the evening to help them in reaching Masjid easily.
Hence its name was Roshni Gate. This gate is situated between Badshahi Masjid & Lahore Fort and still exists in its previous condition. Furthermore, its structure remained untouched and undamaged. The neighborhood around this door is popular for the traditional bazaar termed as ‘Shahi Mohalla’ means the ‘royal neighborhood.’
Akbari Gate
Akbari Gate is popular among the 13-gates of the city of Lahore. It was named after the 3rd Mughal Empire Jalal-Ud-Din Akbar and is situated eight-hundred and fifty meters south of the Delhi Gate. Though its original structure had collapsed, it had been rebuilt and renovated by the English kings.
At present, the original beauty of this gate has been lost, but the region is very popular for its historic bazaar named Akbar Mandi-the largest retail and wholesale market in the city.
Yakki Gate
This gate is one of the most popular gateways in Lahore. According to the famous story, Yakki Gate was called so after Saint Pir Zakki and the royal guard fought valiantly while protecting the dignity of Lahore city. Sadly, he was assassinated in the same war and was beheaded.
The saint was embedded in two different graves, one for the body and the other for the head. Though initially this gate was named Zakki, it was renamed as ‘Yakki’ after some decades, and the reason is not known yet. There are no remains of the gate in Lahore, but it was located approximately one-hundred and seventy meters of Delhi Gate’s East.
Bhati Gate
This gate was the habitat to Bhattis, a clan of Rajput who used to live nearby this gateway, it exists in the top-style, and the surrounding area is very popular among residents for a variety of reasons. Several locals and tourists come to this region to consume several Lahori cuisines served during the day & night.
Sheranwala Gate
This gate was initially named ‘Khizri Gate’ named after a great Muslim saint Hazrat Khawaja Khizar. Later it was renamed to ‘Sheranwala Gate’ as Maharaja Ranjeet Singh had put two tigers nearby the gate after it had been constructed. The term Sheranwala Gate is translated into the ‘Tiger Gate’ in regional lingo. So, the name ‘Sheranwala Gate.’
Lohari Gate
One of the several entrances to Lahore city was the Lohari Gate, and is also termed as the ‘Lahori Gate.’ It was named after the city’s best blacksmiths in recognition of their abilities. It was revamped during the English control, and it still exists. Currently, the neighborhood around this gate is popular for serving Lahori treats and desi dishes.
Some popular restaurants in this region are Sheikh Chathkhara and Sweets, Sahib Nihari Waley, Hafiz Chaney, and Mehar Basheer Halwai.
Mochi Gate
According to many historians, this gate was given this name after the Hindu Warrior, Pandi Moti-a trench warrior who served as a guard at this gate during the period of Mughal rulers. Due to the dedication of the soldier to his work, the lords decided to reward him and named this gate after his rank.
Most historians claim that Mochi is a destroyed form of the Urdu word Morchi meaning ‘trench soldier.’ Located between the Shah Almi Gate and Akbari Gate, the surrounding area of Mochi Gate is popular among the legislators. Several processions, meetings, and political meetings are still held in Mochi Bagh, which is situated next to the Mochi Gate.
Taxali Gate
The Taxali Gate-also written as Texali Gate, is among the several gates that exist only in the name today. It was situated in the city’s upper-class neighborhood, and many great artists called it their home. As per historians, another explanation why this gate has an important place in Lahore’s history is that the royal cash factory functioned there.
Shah Alam Gate
Officially this gate is called Shah-Almi. Located between Lohari gate and Mochi gate, it was named after Mohammad Moazam Shah Alam, the son of Aurangzaib Alamgir. The central structure of the gate does not exist because it was burned during violence prior to the independence of Pakistan.
Masti Gate
Named after Masti Baloch, the royal servant, this gate had been totally destroyed in the past. Currently, there are no remains of this gate. It was, however, located close to Lahore Fort.
Mori Gate
In the local language, the term ‘Mori’ means a tiny hole. Thus, his gate is the smallest gate among all other gates and provided entry to the city in the evening after all the other gates were locked. It existed about four-hundred meters of Lahori Gate’s West in the past. This gate has been lost due to erosion and time, so it no longer exists.
Kashmiri Gate
This gate was called so after its link with Kashmir. Though there isn’t much data available about who started this gate’s construction, the core structure is still tall and also in great condition. The region is most popular for its widely known Kashmiri Bazar.
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