All about the Hiran Minar, Sheikhupura ........... Built in 1606 AD. and 40 miles away from Lahore it is a Moghul structure constructed to honour Emperor Jehangir's pet deer Mansraj (lord of all animals) whom he loved with a passion ! The adjoining forest was verdant and thick and used as a hunting ground, for the sport of royalty. As legend goes Jehangir spotted a deer in the woods and let his arrow fly, only to discover that he had killed his own pet. So grief stricken was he that he built a four storey minar (tower) in it's memory. The sides are inscribed with a eulogy to the deer. The practice of building such tomb markers over the skulls of game animals was an ancient Persian custom !
Years later his son Shahjehan added the huge reservoir of water with it's own sophisticated collection system and a complex series of channels and catchment basins to maintain the water level. It measured 229 metres by 273 metres with four brick ramps on the sides that sloped down so that thirsty animals could have access to the water. A two storey octagonal baradari (pavilion) was added with recessed niches and an interior that was lime plastered and painted with floral borders and frescos. It was topped by a rooftop chatri with a causeway that connected the minar to the pavilion. Sadly over the years time, damp, water damage and neglect have all taken their toll.
The city of Sheikhupura was founded by Emperor Jehangir and it is said that his mother affectionately called him Sheikhu Baba and due to this the city got it's name ! In 1632 AD. his son Emperor Shahjehan built the Taj Mahal in Agra in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, which has now achieved iconic status and centuries later the Moghuls fascination with gardens, forts, mosques and mausoleums is still there in all their glory for all to see ! The pictures have all been sourced from the archives.
