Bannu Walled City

A Glimpse into Colonial Fortifications and Tribal Resilience

The British Wall and Its Gates

The British built a wall around the Bannu city with several gates in every direction. The city gates were called Lakki Gate, Paraiti Gate, Qasabaan Gate, Mandan Gate, Sokari Gate, Hanjal Gate, Miryan Gate and Railway Gate. In the local language, this wall was referred to as “Kot Di Baan”. At night time, the gates were closed and all movement through them ceased.

Historical Context

During the British annexation in 1848, under Sir Herbert Benjamin Edwards, the valley's 400 village-forts—each a compact stronghold surrounded by thick mud walls and towers—were demolished to ensure control. The central wall around Bannu city, including these gates, symbolized the shift from tribal autonomy to colonial administration. The Bannuchis, known for fierce resistance against Sikhs and early British incursions, saw their defensive network dismantled, with Dalip Garh Fort emerging as the new administrative hub.

The Eight Gates of Bannu

Lakki Gate: Named after the town of Lakki Marwat in the southeast.
Paraiti Gate: Named after a British civil servant.
Qasabaan Gate: Named after the butchers whose shops once lined the bazaar just inside.
Mandan Gate: Faces the village of Mandan.
Sokari Gate: Faces the village of Sokari.
Hanjal Gate: Faces the Hanjal area; remnants still visible.
Miryan Gate: Faces the village of Miryan; remnants visible.
Railway Gate: Looks toward the now-defunct railway station.

The gates and the wall are almost non-existent now except towards Mandan, Miryan and Hanjal sides. This structure not only controlled access but also integrated Bannu into the broader British rail and trade networks, transforming it from a tribal stronghold to a colonial outpost.