Golra Sharif

Shrine of Meher Ali Shah in Golra Sharif

Golra Sharif (Urdu: گولڑہ شریف‎), is a town situated near the Margalla Hills, in the Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan, at about 520 m (1,710 ft) above sea level, 17 km (11 mi) from the ancient city of Taxila. The Mausoleum of Meher Ali Shah, Golra Sharif has much significance for the people of the Pothohar Plateau and yearly anniversary of the Pir Meher Ali Shah which is attended by thousands of people every year to pay their regards.

Geographical importance

Prior to the arrival of Hazrat’s ancestors Golra Sharif was just a small village named golra owned by abdullah golra and khair Muhammad golra in the suburbs of Rawalpindi.

Golra Sharif also has fundamental importance geographically. The vast tracts of Margalla Hills and their adjoining plains have been witness to a vast panorama of chequered history. The area extending from Hasan Abdal to the neighborhood of Taxila, a settlement traced back to 2000 years, is custodian of a rich cultural heritage of pre-Islamic period. Even today the archaeological remains dotting the area furnish evidence of the splendid cultural and religious traditions of Buddhist era. Eminent historians of the world agree that it was here that Greek wisdom and Indian civilization meshed together to bring about a synthesis which influenced cultures and art movements everywhere.

With the passage of time, it was overrun by many foreign invaders, such as Greeks, Persians, Afghans, White Huns, Mughals, Sikhs and the British.

Political scenario

With his rule extending from 1747 to 1773, Ahmad Shah Abdali emerged as one of its last period rulers. After his death his son Taimur Shah ruled the area till 1793. he had to face tremendous pressure from the Marhattas and Sikhs, and by the British at river Sutlaj. when the Afghan ruler, Ahmed Shah Abdali, died and his subedar in Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, took advantage of the power vacuum and proclaimed his autonomy, it became a part of Sikh Kingdom. From 1818 to 1849, the area remained under the Sikhs till it was annexed by the British.

This was the period of great political upheaval and instability. Some of the communities, known as marauding tribes, were addicted to violent crime and internecine warfare. They levied black-mail tax on the roads south of the Margalla Pass.

Railway

Golra Sharif Railway station is situated on Golra Road in Golra Sharif town. The station was established in 1882 during the British rule. It is an important junction of Pakistan Railways to link Peshawar, Kohat, Havelian and Multan. Now its get more importance due to its Railways Heritage Museum.

See also

Coordinates: 33°41′38″N 72°58′39″E / 33.6940°N 72.9775°E / 33.6940; 72.9775

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