Shairanwala Gate, one of the historic gates of the Walled City of Lahore, Pakistan
Shairanwala Gate is a historic entrance in the old city walls of Lahore that once served as the northern gateway to the city and stands near the Ravi River. The structure displays simple but solid architecture typical of old city defenses, with remnants of a balustrade, upper wall sections, and a small guard room that survives today in damaged condition.
The gate was originally named Khizri Gate after the saint Khawaja Khizr and was one of thirteen entrances to the walled city. In the 19th century under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, two lions were stationed there, which led to its new name and served as a symbol of Sikh power.
The gate is named after Khawaja Khizr, the patron saint of waters and rivers, reflecting the importance of water routes to the city. The name Shairanwala comes from the lions that Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh kept there, showing how symbols of power shaped local naming.
The gate is easy to reach and located in a busy area with shops and food stalls nearby. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when streets are less crowded, and visitors should know that the site today is surrounded by street traffic and modern commerce.
Italian traveler Niccolò Manucci visited Lahore in the 17th century and mentioned the gate as Qadri Gate, showing it was well-known then without explaining the name's origin. This historical mention highlights how the gate held importance across centuries for different peoples and travelers.
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