Shekhupura Village
This article has been extracted from THE IMPERIAL GAZETTEER OF INDIA , 1908. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. |
Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.
Shekhupura Village
Ancient town in the Khangah Dogran Tahsil of Gujranwala District, Punjab, situated in 31 degree 43’ N. and 74 degree 1' E., on the road between Hafizabad and Lahore, 22 miles from the former town. Population (1901), 2,205. It contains a ruined fort, built by the emperor Jahangir. Prince Dara Shikoh, grandson of Jahangir, from whom the place may derive its name, is said to have connected it by a cut with the Aik rivulet ; and this cut now forms the main channel of the stream. Under Ranjit Singh Shekhupura became the residence of one of his queens, Ram Raj Kauran, better known as Ram Nakayan, whose brick palace still remains the most conspicuous object in the village. After annexation, the head-quarters of the District were fixed for a time at Shekhupura; but since their removal to Gujranwala, it has possessed no importance except as a resort for sportsmen. About 2 miles from the village is a large tank surrounded by hand- some flights of steps, with a three-storeyed baradari in the centre. The tank, however, is dry, and indeed is said to have never held water. A lofty watch-tower stands beside it. Both tank and buildings are the work of Dara Shikoh.
