Hiran Minar (Urdu: ہرن مینار; or "The Deer Tower") is an early 17th-century Mughal era complex in Sheikhupura, in the Pakistani province of Punjab.
It was built at the site of a game reserve in honor of Mughal Emperor Jahangir's beloved antelope, Mansraj.
[3] The emperor is remembered for his fondness of nature,[4] and his complex embodies the Mughal relationship between humans, pets and hunting.
[5][1] Emperor Jahangir's unique tribute to his beloved companion began the tradition of the burial of animals for several centuries on.
The Hiran Minar and Tank Sheikhupura are likewise engraved on the Provisional list of UNESCO World Heritage.
The reserve was built in a scrub forest, and allowed Mughal emperors to experience a sense of semi-wilderness near the imperial city of Lahore.
Heartbroken by the loss, Jahangir constructed this 100 ft tall Hiran Minar to honor his pet antelope.
The thick lime plaster applied over the surface of the lowest tier has been divided into decorative panels or arched niches and horizontal bands in high relief.
[9] At the center of each side of the tank, a brick ramp slopes down to the water, providing access for wild game that was sought by hunters.
The main gateway to the baradari is a rectangular vestibule with a pointed arch flanked by four other similar but smaller openings, built one upon the other.