Bhera, where this gate is located, is one of the oldest living cities in the region, with historical references dating back to the time of Alexander the Great's campaign.
The gate earned its colloquial name 'Lalu Wala' due to a local historical association, though it is officially recognized as the Multani Gate, marking the historic road leading toward Multan.
The masonry incorporates narrow brickwork techniques that have withstood centuries of environmental wear and regional seismic activity.
The gate currently serves as a functional thoroughfare for local traffic, blending medieval city planning with modern-day congestion.
Lalu Wala Darwaza, also known as the Multani Gate, is one of the surviving historical entrances to the ancient walled city of Bhera in Pakistan's Punjab province. The structure dates back to the era when Bhera functioned as a crucial trade hub along the route between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It serves as a remnant of the city's once-extensive fortifications, which were designed to control movement and commerce through the walled settlement. The gate features traditional masonry and architectural elements characteristic of regional defensive designs from the pre-colonial and colonial transitional periods. Despite significant urban expansion in the surrounding area, the gate remains a symbolic threshold between the modern town and the historic old city core. It is constructed from baked bricks, reflective of the local building techniques used in the Sargodha District.
Position yourself from the outer street looking inward to capture the full profile of the archway against the older inner-city buildings.
Approach the gate on foot to navigate the narrow, congested streets surrounding the entrance more easily.
Visit during the early morning to observe the site before peak local traffic causes significant road blockages.
Engage with local residents near the gate to learn about the specific neighborhood legends associated with the 'Lalu' moniker.
Attempting to drive a car through the gate, as the surrounding streets are extremely narrow and prone to gridlock.
Dress modestly as per local conservative customs; refrain from blocking the narrow passage for local vehicles.
