Gates of Lahore

All the Gates of Lahore have been important parts of the city since a long time. While most of these gates are in ruins, only six of the Lahore Gates have survived the test of time. Each of the Gates of Lahore speaks volumes about this historic city in Pakistan. Every single gate in the city overflows with majestic grandeur and reflects the architectural style, Lahore is so famous for. The city of Lahore was surrounded by a wall in order to fortify the city. Originally this wall contained as many as 13 decorated gates. Most of these are in ruins, only six gates are in intact condition at present.

Gate-way to the Past

All the 13 gates in Lahore are known by different names, which are as follows:

Akbari Gate
Bhati Gate
Delhi Gate
Kashmiri Gate
Lohari Gate
Masti Gate
Mochi Gate
Mori Gate
Roshnai Gate
Shahalmi Gate
Shairanwala Gate
Taxali Gate
Yakki Gate

All of these majestic gates stood in grandeur until the British demolished most of them in order to weaken Lahore's fortified base. The only gate which survived was the Roshnai Gate. In due coarse of time, some gates were rebuilt and restored.

Gate-way to the Present

Out of the 13 Lahore Gates, only six exist at present.

These are:

Roshnai Gate - Also known as Gate of Lights and Gate of Splendor, this gate is one of the main gateways to step into Lahore. Both the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort lie close to this gate. In the evenings, the Roshnai Gate lightens up the whole area.
Delhi Gate - Built in the Mughal period, this gate was the only way that led one to Delhi from La-hore. This gate was almost in its ruins due to the blows it faced in some serious riots but it has been repaired and restored in its initial splendor
Lohari Gate - This gate is located in close proximity to Bhati Gate. The architecture of this gate is beautiful and is of historical importance. This place has now become a cauldron of activities with the presence of several stalls and shops.
Shairanwala Gate - This gate is also known as the Gate of Lions. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who ordered to keep two lions at the gate to warn off any intruders.
Kashmiri Gate - This gate faces Kashmir and hence the name. Inside the gate area there is the Kashmiri Bazaar, an area full of shops. There is also a college for girls.
Bhati Gate - It is located beside the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Ali Hajweri, also known as Data Durbar. One can watch the Qawwali performance and listen to Naat that is performed every Thurs-day evening in the Bhati Gate. The food found inside the gate area is famous in Lahore.