The Alexander Monument: A Historical Marvel in Pakistan
The Alexander Monument is a facility located in Jalalpur Sharif covering an area of 60 square meters. It is believed that Alexander the Great camped for two months before the Battle of Hydaspes. The architecture reflects a blend of Greek influences, with 16 arches adorning the roof. Inside, a circular plaque displays a map marking Alexander’s journey from Pella, Greece, to Persia, and finally, to the site of the monument.
The foundation stone for the Alexander monument was laid on 24 May 1997 by the Greek ambassador H.E. Mr. E. N. Karayannis, in collaboration with the government of Pakistan. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the famous Pakistani nuclear scientist, inaugurated this magnificent structure.
The Battle of Hydaspes and Alexander’s Conquest
Alexander the Great, a renowned conqueror, left an indelible mark as he swept through several empires, from Greece to the heart of Asia, reaching the land that is now known as Pakistan. One of his most memorable invasions was the famous Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BC, where he tactfully defeated Raja Porus of Pauravas on the banks of the Hydaspes River, now known as the Jehlum River. This pivotal encounter led to the annexation of the Indian ruler’s empire.
The Battle of Hydaspes: Location and Armies
The Battle of Hydaspes took place at Mong, opposite Jalalpur Sharif, on the right bank of the Hydaspes River. To confront Alexander, Porus gathered an army comprising 2000 cavalry, 200 elephants, and 30,000 soldiers. Alexander, on the other hand, crossed the river about 30km upstream from the battle site and launched a strategic attack.
Alexander’s Loss and the Monument of Bucephalus
During the war, Alexander mourned the loss of his beloved horse, Bucephalus. He buried the remains of his loyal steed near the modern-day town of Jalalpur Sharif. This region was later named Jalalpur Sharif, and a monument in honor of Alexander the Great was erected there. The town of Bucephala, named after Alexander’s horse, lies close to Jalalpur Sharif, and the ruins of an ancient city can still be found in the hills to the east of the town, with coins dating back to the period of Graeco-Bactrian kings.
Discovering Jalalpur Sharif
Originally known as Girjakh, Jalalpur Sharif was a thriving trade center in the region. Its name changed when Emperor Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, the third Mughal emperor, visited the town. To honor him, the ruler of the town, Malik Darwesh Khan Janjua, renamed it Jalalpur Sharif. The title “Sharif” is associated with the famous shrine of Pir Syed Ghulam Haider Ali Shah, one of the most renowned Chishti Spiritual Leaders of the Sub Continent.
Unlocking the Past: Research and Significance
The monument also serves as a research center, inviting both local and foreign scholars to delve into the mutual influence of Greek culture on Pakistan and vice versa. One of the primary research tasks is to identify the exact locations of two ancient cities: Nicaea, believed to be present-day Mong, and Bucephala, where Alexander built a monument in memory of his cherished horse.
However, despite its historical significance, the Alexander Monument is in need of maintenance to regain its status as a prominent tourist attraction.
Reaching Jalalpur Sharif: A Journey Through History
For those seeking to visit the Alexander Monument in Jalalpur Sharif, the location is easily accessible. If you’re traveling from Islamabad, the 167km journey takes approximately 3 hours. The directions are as follows:
- Take Islamabad Expressway to Grand Trunk Rd/Islamabad – Lahore Rd/NH 5/AH2 in Rawat (30km).
- Follow Grand Trunk Rd/NH 5/AH2 to Islamabad – Lahore Rd/Pind Dadan Khan – Jhelum Rd/Tufail Rd in Jhelum Cantt, Jhelum (90km).
- Follow Pind Dadan Khan – Jhelum Rd to Bhoon Mkt Rd in Jalalpur Sharif (47km).
Alternatively, you can take the 216km Lahore-Islamabad Motorway/AH1/M-2, which also takes approximately 4 hours from Islamabad. The directions are as follows:
- Get on Lahore-Islamabad Motorway/AH1/M-2 in Punjab from Srinagar Hwy (20km).
- Follow Lahore-Islamabad Motorway/AH1/M-2 to Choa Saidan Shah Road in Kallar Kahar. Exit from Lahore-Islamabad Motorway/AH1/M-2 (109km).
- Continue on Choa Saidan Shah Road. Take Chakwal Choa Saidan Shah Pindadan Khan Rd/Khewra Rd and Pind Dadan Khan – Jhelum Rd to Bhoon Mkt Rd in Jalalpur Sharif (87km).
Plan Your Visit: Opening Hours and Fees
The Alexander Monument in Jalalpur Sharif is open for visitors on weekdays (Monday to Saturday) from 10:00 am to 03:00 pm and on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm.
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