Postcard from Multan’s Walled City and Historic Gates

Haram Gate

Multan was once a fortified city with a wall and six gates.  What remains of the wall is now in the inner part of the city centre.  Entrance to the walled city was by six, imposing gates: Lohari; Bohar; Pak; Dehli; Haram and Dolat.  Only three gates remain: Dehli; Bohar and Haram.  The original wall and gates were built in 1756 however during the British siege of Multan in 1849 much was destroyed.  The British rebuilt the Dehli Gate and some restoration work on the other gates has occurred.  

The remaining gates all have interesting histories.  The Dehli Gate was the gate that Mughal kings would enter the city.  The gate faces Dehli, India.  Bohar Gate faced the Ravi River that had Bohar trees along its banks.  Food and supplies would be brought along the river and enter the city via this gate.  The river has now changed course.  Haram Gate was next to the women’s quarter, or harem, of Saint Musa Pak Shaheed.  

Shops and people crowd up against the remaining parts of the wall and gates.  Inside the walled city are narrow streets with some wooden houses with intricately carved doors, windows and balconies.  There was no time on this trip to explore the old town, yet another reason to return.  

Haram Gate

Dehli Gate

Dehli Gate

Bohar Gate

Part of the old wall

Old wall and carrot juice

Old wall and wedding carriage

Old wall and donkey