Sheikhupura

Sheikhupura is an industrial city at the distance of 38 Km from Lahore on the northwest side in Punjab on the old G. T. Road. Its old name was Jahangirpura developed by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1607, as it was a major rest area at the time of the Mughal Empire while visiting the military headquarters in Lahore Fort.

How to Accessing Sheikhupura

While driving from Lahore on G. T. Road, turn left from Shahdara town on the Lahore-Sarghoda Road. The directly leads to Sheikhupura city after crossing the major industrial zones of the Sheikhupura district. While moving toward Sheikhupura, the Khanpur Canal, also known as Upper Chenab Canal, is best resting area to enjoy the cool breeze on the canal side with fresh pakoras and sugarcane juice.

History of Sheikhupura

Its name is also mentioned in the Tuzk-e-Jahangiri, an autobiography of the Jahangir. Its name was derived from a nickname of Jahangir, who was known as Sheikhu called by his mother, wife of Akbar the Great. Sheikhupura was also known as Virkgarh due to the large number of Virk Jatts living there.

There is a number of buildings constructed by the Jahangir during his reign. In which, Sheikhupura Fort and Hiran Minar are important historical places to visit. Hiran Miran was an area for royal hunting and its name was given due to his beloved pet deer.

After the Mughal Empire, the city was under the Bhatti tribe, who were defeated by the Sikh and then the city was governed by Lehna Singh, who was strong allies of Ranjit Singh. After that the British had captured the city in 1857 from the Sikh.

Sheikhupura Fort 17th Century Mughal Architecture

Sheikhupura Fort is located in the old city of Sheikhupura at a distance of 3 km from the main city. As you lead toward its building, you can see the its magnificent outer red brick walls of the 17th century Mughal architecture. Sheikhupura Fort was built by the Emperor Jahangir in 1607. It was just use for the purpose of temporary stay while the Royal movements from Lahore to Dehli. It was used by the Emperor Jahangir, while he was on hunting in this region. It is located in the center of the old Sheikhupura city. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, fort was used by his wife and his mother. He had also constructed some of the buildings in fort. Then it was used as house arrest of his last wife after the getting the control of sub-continent by the British. Fort is in ruin and not in good condition. Most of its inner buildings are converted into ruin except the outer walls. Now fort is not opened for public to visit.

Hiran Minar - Hunting Place of Emperor Jahangir

Hiran Minar was also built by the Emperor Jahangir in 1620 as a monument for his beloved pet deer, named as Mansraj. The complex was build in the area reserved for the Royal hunting. Some part of that jungle is still part of the Hiran Minar, that is available for tourist to explore the history of the Mughal Empire. Hiran Minar complex features with a central pool and baradari, and a minaret at the entrance of pool baradari. In the front of minaret, there is a pavilion inside the center of large sized water pool. It is a good place for one-day picnic and there are large number of families on holidays. Visitors can walk along the wide causeway toward the central octagonal pavilion. One can also enjoy pedal boat in the water pool around the central baradari. From the minaret, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the central baradari with water pool around it.

Shrine of Waris Shah

The Shrine of Waris Shah is a spiritual spot to visit in Sheikhupura in Jandiala Sher Khan town at a distance of 14 km from main city. It is the resting place of the 18th century poet of Punjabi language. The epic poem of Heer Ranjha is the famous poetry written by Waris Shah.

Importance of Sheikhupura in Agriculture

Sheikhupura is also known the Rice Valley due to producing best quality of rice. Its fertile land is irrigated with several canals in the area and makes this city as the main producer of rice, wheat, and corn. There are several rice processing units in the city and export an huge quantity of rice every year.

Industrial Importance of Sheikhupura

Number of popular industries are in operation in the city. Two major industrial areas, Rachna Industrial Park and Quaid-e-Azam Business Park Sheikhupura, are developed there to encourage the people to establish industries in the area.

The weather of Sheikhupura is hot and dry. Summer season is much hot and warm, whereas winter season is pleasant. So if you want to explore the historical buildings of the Mughal time, then you have to plan it in winter season.

Exploring historic landmarks, monuments, and various Mughal sites across Punjab? Visit our Punjab Travel Directory.