Sheikhupura

Sheikhupura, on the outskirts of Lahore, is a famous district of Punjab, Pakistan. It is commonly known for its worth-seeing historical places, industrial and agriculture surroundings and best export-quality rice. It also owns Shakespeare of Punjabi poetry, famous sufi poet Waris Shah whose Heer is an imperishable legend of divine love.

Sheikhupura was constructed in 1607. It was one of Mughal Emperor Nor-u-Din Muhammad Jahangir's princely dominions during his father Akbar's reign. It is also called Qila Sheikhupura because of a historical fort constructed by Jahangir. Emperor Jahangir, whose nick name was Sheikhu, laid the foundation of Jahangirpura. Afterwards the city was named Sheikhupura.

Just north of Sheikhupura lies a hunting complex, a landmark of Mughal architecture... a Minaret of Antelope on the bank of an artificial lake here known as Hiran Minar.

Hiran Minar is one of the best known and beautiful sites. During Emperor Jahangir’s reign, Sheikhupura had the status of royal hunting ground. Sheikhu (Emperor Jahangir), who was a great patron of architecture and apparent lover of wild life, used to come here frequently from Lahore for hunting & to relax. He captured a unique Deer named Mansraj, within one month the deer left his jungle habits and soon became the king of the Royal Deer. In the love of his darling pet Deer, Sheikhu ordered that no more wild deer will be hunted. In 1606, in memory of his departed Mansraj, a Minaret and a mausoleum were built here.