Hiran Minar, Sheikhupura - Pakistan
Quick Facts
Hiran Minar is a historical place located in Sheikhupura, Lahore, Pakistan. It is approximately 40 Km “northwest of Lahore”.
Hiran Minar is a historical architectural piece in Pakistan that is the centre of attraction for tourists. It was originated by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in remembrance of one of his favourite pets, “Mansraj”, as a landmark. Building the tomb monuments over skulls of the game is part of ancient customs and traditions. It is considered the 16th-century complex developed by the Mughal emperors. It is famous due to nature and the relationship between “humans, animals, and hunting.”
History of Hiran Minar
The Hiran Minar complex was built in 1620 C.E. on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir as a symbolic landmark in the memory of his beloved pet – an antelope – after its death. It was called Mansiraj (Light of the Mind). The structure was erected in the suburbs of the city of Sheikhupura within the heart of a game reserve, which was used by the Mughals to enjoy the sport of hunting and experience semi-wildness near Lahore, which was an imperial metropolitan area of the time.
Architecture of Hiran Minar
The structure consists of a large, almost-square water tank with an octagonal pavilion in its center, a causeway with its own gateway connecting the pavilion with the mainland and a 100-foot (30 m)-high minar, or minaret.
At the center of each side of the tank, a brick ramp slopes down to the water, providing access for royal animals and wild game.Unique features of this particular complex are the antelope's grave and the distinctive water collection system. At each corner of the tank [Approximately 750 by 895 feet (273 m) in size], is a small, square building and a subsurface water collection system which supplied the tank; only one of these water systems is extensively exposed today.
Another special feature of Hiran Minar is its location and environment: the top of the minar is perhaps the best place in the province of Punjab to get a feel for the broader landscape and its relationship to a Mughal site.
Looking north from the top of the minar, one can see a patch of forest which is similar to the scrub forest vegetation of Mughal times, while to the west are extensively-irrigated fields, a product of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but similar in size and appearance to the well-irrigated fields of the Mughal period.
Things to do at Hiran Minar
Counted among the best places to visit in Sheikhupura, the historic monument of Hiran Minar has always attracted visitors. Since it is in proximity to many different urban localities of Punjab, it is regularly visited by people living in nearby areas on weekends and public holidays mostly during spring and winter.
This historical tourist attraction in Sheikhpura is flanked by a pool and a baradari, which is an antique building having 12 openings all around it to allow free flow of air. People coming here can closely experience history and nature side by side.
Moreover, if you are a fan of boating, then Hiran Minar is a must-visit. As stated above, the place is located in the middle of a massive man-made lake, where now you can undergo the experience of pedal boating by just paying PKR 50 per pedal boat.
In recent years, beautiful lighting arrangements have been made at Hiran Miran to add to the charm of this place at night and facilitate tourists visiting after dark.
Timings & Ticket Price of Hiran Minar
Let’s take a look at the opening hours and ticket price of Hiran Minar.
Friday & Saturday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: 8 AM - 12 AM
Ticket Price: PKR 20 per person
Hiran Minar is strongly recommended for people who are engrossed in archaeology and history as this place has a lot to tell. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip by clicking on the following button and fill the form.
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