Walled City Ghanta Ghar – Multan
Ghanta Ghar, or the Clock Tower of Multan, is one of the city’s most recognized landmarks, situated in the heart of Multan’s walled city. It was built in the late 19th century during the British colonial period and has since become a central point for both history and civic life. The structure and surrounding chowk (square) reflect Multan’s colonial past blended with its vibrant present, serving as a gathering place for locals, tourists, and merchants alike.Over time, Ghanta Ghar has witnessed many changes: from its function as municipal headquarters, to periods of disrepair, and now undergoing conservation and adaptive reuse efforts. It stands not just as a timekeeping monument but as a symbol of Multan’s heritage, identity, and communal gathering.
Architectural Beauty & Features:
Constructed between 1884 and 1888, Ghanta Ghar was originally named Ripon Hall or Ripon Building, and the tower part was known as Northbrook Tower. It was built over the ruins of the Haveli of Ahmad Khan Sadozai, which had been destroyed during the Siege of Multan. The building reflects Indo-Saracenic architecture, combining Victorian, Gothic, and native Islamic architectural elements. Key features include cusped arches, a prominent clock tower, balconies, decorative stonework, turrets, and domed or cupola-like forms. The facade and structure are made using local materials, reflective of colonial design sensibilities adapted to the environment and culture of the region. es underwent periods of non-functionality; they were repaired and modernized in recent decades, including an upgrade to solar-powered operation.
Visitor Experience:
Visitors to Ghanta Ghar often enjoy not just the monument itself but the energetic atmosphere of the chowk and surrounding bazaars. From there, one can walk the narrow alleys of the walled city, shop for traditional handicrafts, sample local street foods, and observe the daily life of Multan. The chowk is especially lively in the evenings, when the light softens and the clock tower’s silhouette is more pronounced Being centrally located, Ghanta Ghar is accessible from different parts of the city. It gives a tangible sense of Multan’s layered history colonial era, pre-colonial sites, cultural evolution, and modern life. For many, visiting the tower is both a photographic opportunity and a way to connect with the living history of the city.
History
After the British took control of Multan in 1849, they passed the Municipal Act in 1883, under which new civic buildings were required. Ghanta Ghar was constructed starting 12 February 1884 and took roughly four years to complete.The building replaced what remained of the haveli of Ahmad Khan Sadozai, destroyed during the Siege of Multan. Over time, after independence in 1947, the name “Ripon Hall” was changed to “Jinnah Hall.” While originally the site served municipal functions, more recently there have been preservation and restoration efforts, along with plans to transform parts of the structure into a museum, library, crafts display, and cultural space.
Delivery Service – Royal Delivery:
Royal Delivery provides fast, reliable delivery service across Multan. Whether you are at Ghanta Ghar or any other part of the city, you can have food items, gifts, or daily essentials delivered swiftly and securely, making your visits and errands more convenient.
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