Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

Hiran Minar is worth to see because it was built not in the memory of any human but in love with a pet Deer. Hiran Minar which is famous because of the story behind this minaret. 

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

Hiran Minar: Story behind

Pakistan has a beautiful place, the story of which will make you astonished because you may have read a story about an Emperor built a building as a tribute to another emperor, or to his wife, or family. But the Hiran Minar was built in memory of pet Deer of an Emperor. 

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

According to the history narration, in 1607, an antelope was captured alive while hunting. When the antelope was brought in front of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, it showed instant affection, seating down at Jahangir’s feet, as if pleading to be spared. The king liked it, and adopted the antelope, giving him name "Mansraaj: Light of the mind". On the death of Mansraaj in 1620, Emperor Jahangir ordered a minaret to be built at its grave, and the minaret was named Hiran Minar.

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

Hiran Minar: Location

Hiran Minar is located in Sheikhupura in Punjab, Pakistan. Sheikhupura was once the royal hunting ground in the 17th century and the Hiran Minar was known as Royal Hunting Ground in Mughal era. Hiran Minar was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir before he became emperor. He was very fond of nature and he shows his fondness with nature in many ways. He built Hiran Minar to commemorate the death of his pet deer.

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

Hiran Minar: Grave of antelope

One of the most distinctive feature of this Hiran Minar is the grave of the Jahangir's beloved antelope and the water system. The minaret of Hiran serves as a tomb-maker. Hunting was also prohibited after the death of Mansraaj and this ground was changed into a protected sanctuary. An octagonal tower and square lake at the foot of grave was added later which was used to provide drinking water to animals of the sanctuary.

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

Hiran Minar: Construction

In a hunting reserve of Mughal Royals, Hiran Minar was built. The hunting reserve was a source of enjoying wilderness of forest and hunting. The Hiran Minar was built by Emperor Jahangir as a monument to his beloved Deer (antelope), namely "Mansraaj" and that is why the minaret which was built in about 1607 was named "Hiran Minar". Emperor Jahangir trained this Deer to lure wild animals in order to hunt them. 

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

There is also a large pavilion and tank which was later added by Shah Jahan in Hiran Minar. A spiral staircase that contains 180 steps was built inside Hiran Minar. The complex of Hiran Minar consits of minaret, pool, causeway and a pavilion. The minaret of Hiran Minar is about 30 meters tall and the sides are inscribed with a eulogy to the pet Deer. 

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

In the very center of complex is rectangular water pool of about 229X273 meters and a pavilion built by Shah Jahan is also at the cenrer of the pool. The pavilion is of two storeys octagonal structure with a roof-top. So it is one of the best worthseeing and relaxing place with semi wilderness all around. 

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

Hiran Minar: Conclusion

Hiran Minar has a lot of regualr visitors because of its beauty and soothing environment. There is also the facility of boating so that visitors of Hiran Minar may also enjoy boating and the green area for recreational activities.

Hiran Minar Deer Tower Punjab

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By: Hayat Maidah