Attock Khurd is a historic town, located at one of the most strategic points in South Asia, about 100 km west of Islamabad, on the Grand Trunk Road near the Indus River. The Grand Trunk Road, as all students of history know, is the most important highway of the Indian Subcontinent and has served as the route of invaders and conquerors for over two millennia. Attock Khurd is home to numerous historical buildings and monuments, the most famous being the Attock Fort, constructed by Emperor Akbar. However, the fort is off limits to visitors as it is currently used as a base by the Pakistan Army. Fortunately, there are many other sites that can be visited easily.
One of them is Behram's Baradari, located right on the Grand Trunk Road. This beautiful Baradari is easily reachable and is located at: 33°53'45.34"N, 72°14'49.71"E.
Bahram's Baradari. (30.07.2025.)
Another view of Bahram's Baradari. (30.07.2025.)
The last time I visited this Baradari was on December 15, 2021. At that time, no authentic details were available. However, on this visit I found a board installed by the Archaeology Department of Punjab, providing some information about the monument. Though this too seems to be largely based on guesswork in the absence of clear facts. Anyway, something is better than nothing.
بہرام کی بارہ دری
بہرام کی بارہ دری کے نام سے موسوم اس شاندار عمارت کے متعلق یہ خیال کیا جاتا ہے کہ اس کی تعمیر بہرام خان نامی ایک پٹھان سردار نے کروائی تھی جو مشہور پٹھان شاعر خوشحال خان خٹک کے پوتے تھے۔ بہرام خان کا سن پیدائش 1632ء ہے اور کہا جاتا ہے کہ اس بارہ دری کی تعمیر سترہویں صدی کے آخری ربع میں عمل میں آئی ہوگی۔ تاہم بعض تاریخ میں صفحہ شاہجہاں اکبر کے مشہور اتالیق اور جرنیل بہرام خان کا حوالہ بھی ملتا ہے جو 1571ء میں عباسیوں کے عہد میں بارہ دری چھوڑ گئے۔
اینٹ اور پتھروں سے تعمیر کردہ چار دیواری کے اندر تعمیر کی گئی ہے۔ اس چار دیواری پر چونے کا پلستر کیا گیا ہے۔ شمالی دیوار کی باہر ی سطح کو چونے کے پلاسٹر میں نئی بنائی گئی گلکاری سے سجایا گیا ہے۔
بارہ دری کی مرکزی عمارت تین کمروں پر مشتمل ہے جو عمارت کے جنوبی سمت میں ایک متوازن انداز میں تعمیر کی گئی ہے۔ درمیانی کمرے کے ستون سنگ بُری سے تراشیدہ ہیں جب کہ پہلوی کمروں کے باہر دروں کی چوکھٹیں عام اینٹوں سے بنائی گئی ہیں۔
مرکزی کمرے کی پچھلی دیوار میں ایک محراب تعمیر کیا گیا ہے۔ بارہ دری کی مرکزی عمارت کے پچھلے خانہ میں موجود ایک چھوٹے کمرے میں شمال مشرق کی سمت ایک چھوٹی مسجد ہے۔ بارہ دری کے اطراف کو گھیرتی چار حصوں میں تقسیم کیا گیا ہے اور اس کے مرکزی ایوانی برج چبوترہ ہے جس کے درمیانی حصے میں ایک چھوٹا حوض اور فوارہ ہے۔
بہرام کی بارہ دری محکمہ آثار قدیمہ حکومت پنجاب کے تحت محفوظ یادگار ہے۔ جو کوئی بھی اس بارہ دری کو نقصان پہنچائے یا توڑے گا اسے تعزیرات پاکستان مجریہ 1975ء کے تحت گوہ کوٹہ قانون کی دفعہ 19 کے تحت سزا دی جائے گی۔
Behram's Baradari
The graceful monument known as Behram-ki-Baradari, is known to be built by Behram Khan, the fourth son of the legendary Pushto poet Khushal Khan Khattak. Behram Khan was born in 1643 CE and he built the monument possibly in the last quarter of the 17th century. We find another name as “Bairam Khan (died in 1561 A.D.), a famous guardian and commander of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The area of the monument is enclosed with walls of small brick stones and lime plaster. The exterior of the west wall is embellished with a row of merlons of plaster.
The main structure of the complex comprising of three rooms, is built in the center of the southern side of the oblong courtyard to give it a well-balanced look. The pillars of the central chambers are of variegated stone and the front openings of the side chambers are of black stone. A small cascade is constructed in the back wall of the central pavilion. There is a set of basements under the structure of the Baradari. In the northwest of the courtyard is a separate building of a mosque. The open area is divided into four parts with small water channels and a square platform at the crossing which has a small tank and a fountain.
The Behram’s Baradari is protected under the Antiquities Act 1975 and whoever contravenes the provisions of this Act and is involved in destroying, breaking, defacing, scribbling, writing or engraving any inscription on it shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
A view of the whole complex. (30.07.2025.)
A fountain or a cistern. (30.07.2025.)
An elevated room. (30.07.2025.)
This is another room, near the entrance. (30.07.2025.)
Another enclosure, near the main entrance. (30.07.2025.)
As it is not confirmed who built this beautiful structure, similarly, its purpose is also not known. It is obvious that it is not a defensive structure or a caravan serai. Probably, it was a private resting place or pleasure garden. Perhaps belonging to Bahram Khan, who was born in 1643.
As I mentioned above, this was my second visit. During my first visit, too I took some pictures which are I am sharing below.
The main structure of the Baradari. (15.12.2021.)
A general view. (15.12.2021.)
A fountain or a cistern. Water channels on four sides can be seen. (15.12.2021.)
The eastern wall rises against the higher ground on this side. (15.12.2021.)
Looking north, towards the GT road. (15.12.2021.)
The surrounding area is not properly looked after. Debris is partially covering the wall. (15.12.2021.)
An old bridge, behind the baradari. (15.12.2021.)
The backside. (15.12.2021.)
Beautiful hills are in the background. (15.12.2021.)
A complete view of the baradari. (15.12.2021.)
A view of the courtyard. A fountain, a well, and a pool are visible. (15.12.2021.)
It is a beautiful structure and in quite good condition (according to Pakistani standards). However, I wish it were better preserved and better promoted. People should also take an interest in our cultural and historical heritage and visit these places. Only then can we expect the authorities to spend more money when there are some prospects of revenue generation. Millions of people visit mountainous areas to enjoy the natural beauty of our country. Why do we not include such places in our plans? Even a stay of half an hour will give you a lot to learn and understand our heritage and past.
Tariq Amir
August 29, 2025.
Islamabad
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