010. Monument Of Bucephalus The Horse of Alexander The Great

Alexander the Great of Macedonia is one of those kings who are equally famous in both the East and the West. He began his campaign of conquests from Greece, and after subduing the Middle East, he invaded Central Asia before turning southward to enter what is now Pakistan. After conquering Punjab, he decided to return home. During his long odyssey, his favorite horse, Bucephalus, accompanied him. However, the horse’s journey ended in Punjab, where it died. Alexander had great affection for Bucephalus — a bond that is prominently portrayed in the movie "Alexander" (2004).

Alexander buried his horse near the modern-day town of Jalalpur Sharif, in Jhelum District, either just before or shortly after his famous battle with Raja Porus on the opposite side of the River Jhelum, in May 326 BC. He likely built a monument at the site, but no traces of it remain today.

However, in 1997 AD, due to the interest and initiative of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, a new monument was constructed at the same location. It is a large building that features a blend of Greek architectural elements. The structure includes several rooms, and its roof serves as a broad platform adorned with four-sided Greek-style arches. Made of marble, the white building is visually striking and can be seen from a distance. This monument is located in district Jhelum at 32° 39' 53" N, 73° 24' 31" E.

Alexander also founded a town here, naming it Bucephala after his beloved horse. Over time, the town came to be known as Girjakh, and was eventually renamed Jalalpur by Malik Darwesh Khan Janjua in honor of the Mughal Emperor Jalaluddin Akbar, who visited the area.

A view of the monument from a nearby hill. (20.03.2005.)

Another view of the monument. (20.03.2005.)

I visited this historic monument for the first time in 2005. After a few years, I visited it again in March, 2009. The following are the photos from the second visit. 

A view of the monument from the south. (18.03.2009.)

Foundation plaque. (18.03.2009.)

 Another view from the road. (18.03.2009.)

A map showing the expeditions of Alexander. (18.03.2009.)

Arches on the platform. (18.03.2009.)

View from the south. (18.03.2009.)

View from the southeast, with a beautiful hill in the background. (18.03.2009.)

View from the dry bed of the Kahan River. (18.03.2009.)

This monument is easily accessible, as a well-maintained road passes nearby. Take the exit from the Lilla Interchange on the M-2 Motorway, then travel about 25 kilometers to Pind Dadan Khan, and continue another 35 kilometers toward Jhelum to reach Jalalpur Sharif. The monument is located less than a kilometer to the north from there. Since the road is in good condition, reaching the site is not difficult. If you ever plan a tour of this area, consider including a visit to the Khewra Salt Mines, located just 6 kilometers north of Pind Dadan Khan.

Tariq Amir

May 17, 2014.

Doha - Qatar 

After many years in 2019, I once again passed by this place and took the following photographs.

In front of the monument. (14.08.2019.)

 

یادگارِ سکندرِ اعظم و تحقیقاتی مرکز

(Alexander the Great Monument and Research Center)

In 326 BC, Alexander the Great, after defeating the Persian king Darius III crossed into the Indus Valley to secure the eastern borders of the Persian Empire up to Jhelum River. 

At Taxila his host Ambhi, the semi-autnomous Persian Governor, welcomed him and requested his assistance to subdue Raja Porus, the chief of Poru tribe, whose domain lay  east of Jhelum River. 

However, Porus refused to accept Alexander's submission and conveyed a challenge to fight Alexander if he dared to cross River Jhelum - that resulted in the famous Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum) in which, Porus was defeated, but because of his valour in the battlefield, Alexander re-instated hiw realm with additional territory. This battle resulted in about 150 years of Greek rule over Pakistan. 

This site of this monument-cum-research centre is where Alexander camped for two months prior to the battle. At this centre local and foreign scholars will be invited to carry out researches on Greek influences on Pakistani culture and vice versa. They will also be tasked to discover two cities that he founded. One was named Nicaea, meaning victory in Greek, probably at the site of the present day Mong village and the second named after his slain horse, Bucephala, was buried a site near Jalalpur Sharif, that has not yet been located. 

Road from the monument or Pind Sawika. (14.08.2019.)

A view of the Kahan River. (14.08.2019.)

Tariq Amir

July 5, 2025.

Doha - Qatar 

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