Hiran Minar

One of the most popular sinch places in Punjab, the huge Hiran Minar is located in the conurbations of Sheikhupura. Also known as the ‘Deer Tower,’ this vast composite was once served as a hunting evacuation for Mughal Emperor Jahangir f. It was built in 1606 in the memory of the king’s favourite pet antelope, Mansraj. Given its nearness to the then-imperial city of Lahore, the lavish green environment of Hiran Minar offered the royals and nobles with an opportunity to the sport of hunting without having to travel too far.

The tower itself is about 100 feet tall with 214 holes on its exterior surface, where the king’s hunting trophies once used to hang. The outer walls of the structure also stand elaborate calligraphy praising the pet antelope. Furthermore, there is an enormous water tank right in front of Hiran Minar, from where a stone trail connects the land to a lavish hunting dome called “baradari,” which was built for the emperor and his guests to rest during the trip.

Built in brick, the Minar (tower) is spherical and rushes near the top, which is level, with a ramparts wall. There are 210 four-sided holes on the outside surface of the Minar, decided at regular interludes  14 rows. A twisting staircase containing of 108 stages has been providing ins-.de the Minar. Alongside the staircase, there are 11 climbing four-sided arched beginnings provided for air and light The Minar is divided into six tiers of different height.

 The base of each tier has projected molding and the lowest tier has an curved inaugural for an arrival. The whole external as well as interior of the Minar has linden plaster, seemingly with some bloomy or lineal painting canvases. The profuse lime plaster practical over the surface of the lowermost tier has been divided into attractive panels or arched positions and flat bands in high relief. Facing the grand Minar on the east cross is a big tank with a walkway leading to the octangular baradari (building) built in the central There is a square dome at each corner with a doorway to the baradari.

 The tank is four-sided in shape, each side has a gradient and a bulwark wall and is flanked by four staircases of 8 6teps. During Mughal days, a channel was cut from the Aik stream and linked with the tank at its north-west corner ; in adding, an intricate system for satisfying up the tank with rain water from the catchment area was planned. The chief doorway to the baradari is a rectangular atrium with a piercing arch edged by four other similar but smaller beginnings, constructed one upon the other. Inside the atrium are two stages.

 The inner walls have been ornamented with recessed niches, while the soffit of the dome shaped ceilings has honeycomb decoration. The two flights of 13 stops cons-truced at both the corners chief to the gable. The outside and inner sur-face has been plastered in the usual way and decorated with fresco paintings. A causeway, standing on 21 pointed arched supports, connects the chief baradari with the gateway. A square-shaped projected platform has been provided in the middle of the walkway. In the center of the tank has been created an octangular platform with a low bulwark wall on all sides. Over the platform stands the lovely baradari in the same plan, The baradari was built under the orders of the Emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D. for use as a royal dwelling.

Meanwhile, the green belt close the game-reserve was used as a hunting ground. To this day, Hiran Minar is one of the greatest peaceable tourist destinations in Punjab owing to its scenery and the thinly populated area.

It is also an perfect day-trip destination near Lahore.

Location: Hiran Minar Park Road, Sheikhupura

Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee: None

Disclaimer: Please note that the information cited in this blog has been obtained from the official website and Facebook page of Hiran Minar. Therefore, the entry ticket prices and other rates are topic to change at the decision of the resort organization.

Note: All the images have been traced from the Facebook page of Hiran Minar.