Hiran Minar (Sheikhupura) Pakistan
Hiran Minar - The Hiran Minar is one of the best known and most beautiful of such sities. It used to be the favorite hunting spot of all Muslim rulers. Just North of Sheikhupura town lays a hunting complex known as the Hiran Minar.
- Mughal rulers were fond of hunting and such grounds were an important part of the physical environment. The Hiran Minar is one of the best known and most beautiful of such sities. It used to be the favorite hunting spot of all Muslim rulers. Just North of Sheikhupura town lays a hunting complex known as the Hiran Minar. Hiran Minar is 43 kms from Lahore and 9 kms from Sheikhupura. During the region of Emperor Salim from 1605 to 1627, Sheikhupura had the status of a royal hunting ground. Mughal Emperor Jahangir ordered to build a tower and a grave for his deer, Mansraj, in Sheikhupura. History reveals that he hunted in the area where Hiran Minar was later built with his friends and spotted a deer he tried to kill, but accidentally killed his own favorite, Mansraj. The emperor becomes so sad that he ordered to bury deer in the ground where it died and build a tower called Hiran Minar. This is a very rare example of love towards a pet, a gesture of love towards wildlife in a time when the western world was even not familiar with such intentions.
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As it stands today after the collapse of its canopy on the top, is 110 feet in height. There are 108 steps on a spiral staircase lead to the summit of the minaret where rest the remains of Mansraj. (Now the door of stairs is closed) The top of minaret was provided an eye catching sight in the around areas. In 1634, when Emperor Shahjahan stayed at his father’s favorite hunting site for three days, he ordered the construction of a baradari surrounded by a water tank. At the center of each side of tank, a brick ramp slopes down to the water, providing access for royal animals and wild game. Baradari is standing in the water tank as the whole structure was made water proof which stood so, for centuries..jpg)
- A unique feature of this particular complex is the antelope’s grave and the distinctive water collection system. At each corner of the tank (approximately 750 by 895 feet in size), are a small square building and a subsurface water collection system which supplied the tank.
- This is a pleasant and tranquil place for picnic and to feel relax with gardens in surrounding with a lack and boating facilities. A thick keekar-jungle flanks the northern side of the pool, with winding footpaths zigzagging their way over the raised mounds. On the opposite side the pool a tree-lined garden, with a canteen and some swings and slides awaits picnickers.
- The Mughals are known for their love for beauty and nature. The Mughals were infatuated with gardens, forts, mosques and mausoleums, where they lived they erected a structure in any of the above form. Hiran minar is a different construction from all of Mughal places and a unique one within its theme and concept.