It is one of the few surviving gates of the original six-gate system that enclosed the ancient city of Multan.
The name 'Delhi Gate' historically signified that the road passing through it led directly toward the city of Delhi.
The structure sits at the mouth of the Multan Bazaar, which has been a center for trade along the Silk Road route for centuries.
The inner city area behind the gate features a high density of pre-partition architecture and traditional wooden balconies.
The gate was traditionally guarded by the local garrison, and its closure at night was standard practice to secure the Walled City.
Delhi Gate is the eastern entrance to the historic Walled City of Multan, serving as one of the six surviving gates of the original city fortifications. The current structure was reconstructed during the British colonial era, replacing an older gate that dates back to the Durrani or Sikh periods. It functions as the primary portal to the vibrant Multan Bazaar, a labyrinthine network of traditional markets. The gate marks the transition point between modern urban Multan and the dense, medieval-style street layout of the inner city. The surrounding area remains a commercial hub where local artisans practice traditional pottery, camel skin painting, and textile weaving. Architectural remnants of the original defense wall can still be observed in the vicinity of the gate's archway. The structure serves as a gateway to the broader heritage district which includes several nearby shrines and historic Havelis. It remains a functional piece of infrastructure integrated into the daily flow of local pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
From the street level looking up at the central archway, capturing the contrast between the historic gate and the bustling modern activity.
Visit on foot to navigate the narrow, crowded alleys of the bazaar located immediately inside the gate.
Keep a map or GPS active, as the inner city streets form a complex, non-linear grid.
Engage with local shopkeepers to find hidden entrances to traditional craft workshops.
Attempting to drive a car through the narrow bazaar streets inside the gate; it is physically impossible and causes major gridlock.
Dress modestly as this is a traditional, conservative residential and commercial neighborhood; request permission before photographing people.
