Patan Minara is an ancient Buddhist monastery in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. In the 2,000-year-old monastery situated 8 kilometers from Rahim Yar Khan City. Only a single burnt sienna column remains. There is very little known information about single-column Minara. However, it was believed to have been built during the Hakrra Valley civilization during the Mauryan period, approximately 250 BC. 
The archeologists believe the Patan Minara built by Alexander the Great during his visit to the military expedition to Hind (India). The Patan Minara means “Tower on the Ford.”. It is named after Pattan Pur, once a lush green city situated on the bank of the River Ghagra, an offshoot of the River Indus.
Alexander the Great established a cantonment under the Greek governor. Therefore, the Patan Minara served to keep a watchful eye on the local tribes. Some mystical stories are associated with the history of Patan Minara. Some believe that hidden treasure was buried under the tower. A Sanskrit-written brick was discovered at the start of the 18th century, when it was demolished. A fort, a mosque, and tunnels still remain in that area. Some historians believe that Alexander also conquered the state and stayed in the ancient city.
Colonel Minchin, the ex-Bhawalpur, passed an order to excavate the ruins of Patan Minara. He had heard that hidden treasure was buried in tunnels that were part of the Sienna column. Unfortunately, a worker came across a semi-liquid-swarmed fly that killed him on the spot. So, the digging process was stopped due to this disaster. 
In the 18th century, Fazal Elahi Khan Halani the chief of Daupauta, used his remains to build the Baghla and Dingar Forte. The local government even officially declared it a heritage site. The unplanned housing is creeping up in the surrounding area, and the construction industry is for reti-bajri, or sand around the ruins. The nomadic people who live in the surrounding area mainly depend on their stock of camel feed.
Although Pattan Minara has lost its prime, local people are trying to save this site by pledging to bring back the coins they found. Maybe someone has already discovered the hidden treasure; no one exactly knows. The sole remnant of civilization and its remains are eroding with the passage of time, and it seems like they won’t stand in the future. In the recent times, some restoration and beautifying work has been completed by the local government. 
If the department of archaeology and the government pay some attention to this minara, it can reveal that it’s true to discover the likes of another Harappa or Mohenjo Daro. If you are a photography lover, then you should visit Patan Minara in the evening. It is the ideal time for photography when the sun is perfectly placed opposite Minara.
Patan Minara is an ancient Buddhist monastery in Rahim Yar Khan Pakistan.
Patan Minara is an ancient Buddhist monastery in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
The 2,000 years old monastery situated 8 KM from Rahim Yar Khan City a single burnt sienna column remains.
In the 2,000-year-old monastery, situated 8 kilometers from Rahim Yar Khan City, a single burnt sienna column remains. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
However it was believed to be built during Hakrra valley civilization during Mauryan period approximately 250BC.
However, it was believed to have been built during the Hakrra Valley civilization during the Mauryan period, approximately 250 BC. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
The archeologists believe the Patan Minara was built by Alexander the Great during his visit to military expedition to Hind (India).
The archeologists believe the Patan Minara built by Alexander the Great during his visit to a military expedition to Hind (India). Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
The Pattan Minara means the “Tower on the Ford”. It is named after Pattan Pur, once a lush green city situated on the bank of the River Ghagra, an offshoot of the River Indus.
The Pattan Minara means “Tower on the Ford.”. It is named after Pattan Pur, once a lush green city situated on the bank of the River Ghagra, an offshoot of the River Indus. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
If you are photographs lover, then evening time is best when Sun is perfectly placed opposite of Minara
If you are a photography lover, then evening time is best when the Sun is perfectly placed opposite Minara. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
Alexander the Great established a cantonment under Greek Governor. Therefore, The Patan Minara served for keeping a watchful eye on the local tribes.
Alexander the Great established a cantonment under the Greek governor. Therefore, the Patan Minara served to keep a watchful eye on the local tribes. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
Some mystical stories are associated behind the history of Patan Minara. Some believe that hidden treasure was buried under the tower.
Some mystical stories are associated with the history of Patan Minara. Some believe that hidden treasure was buried under the tower. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
A Sanskrit written brick was discovered at the start of 18th century when it was demolished.
A Sanskrit-written brick was discovered at the start of the 18th century, when it was demolished. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
Colonel Minchin the Ex-Bhawalpur state passed an order to excavate the ruins of Patan Minara. He had heard that hidden treasure was buried in tunnels that were part of the sienna column remains.
Colonel Minchin of the ex-Bahawalpur state passed an order to excavate the ruins of Patan Minara. He had heard that hidden treasure was buried in tunnels that were part of the sienna column. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
A fort, mosque and tunnels are still remains in that area. Some historians believes, Alexander also conquered the state and stayed in the ancient city.
A fort, mosque, and tunnels still remain in that area. Some historians believe that Alexander also conquered the state and stayed in the ancient city. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
Unfortunately a worker came across a semi-liquid swarmed flies killed him at spot. So, digging process was stopped due to this disaster.
Unfortunately, a worker came across semi-liquid-swarmed flies that killed him on the spot. So, the digging process was stopped due to this disaster. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
. In the 18th century Fazal Elahi Khan Halani the chief of Daupauta used its remains to build the Baghla & Dingar Forte.
In the 18th century, Fazal Elahi Khan Halani the chief of Daupauta used its remains to build the Baghla and Dingar Forts. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
The local government even though officially declared heritage site. The unplanned housing is creeping up in the surrounding area and the construction industry is for reti-bajri or sand around the ruins.
The local government even officially declared it a heritage site. The unplanned housing is creeping up in the surrounding area, and the construction industry is for reti-bajri or sand around the ruins. Photography Credit: Tauheed Ahmed Nawaz
Read More 
Source: Tribune.PK / Wikipedia

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here