The Maqbara of Sheikh Ali Beg, who served as the governor of Punjab during the Mughal era, is situated in the village of Helan, near Phalia tehsil in Mandi Baha-ud-Din. According to legend, Helan got its name from Alexander the Great's beloved wife, Helen, who is said to be buried there.
Sheikh Ali Beg, during his time as the Mughal governor, chanced upon Helan while on a hunting expedition and was so captivated by the area's lush greenery and beauty that he ordered a tent to be set up. The historical account, Tuzak-e-Babri, also describes the exquisite plains of Helan. At that time, Helan was sparsely populated and largely uninhabited.
Sheikh Ali Beg held such affection for this region that he constructed his own tomb in Helan during his lifetime and requested to be laid to rest there. After his passing, his wish was fulfilled, and he was interred in the tomb he had prepared, now known as the "Tomb of Helan."
The tomb is adorned with large gates on all four sides, which help maintain a cool temperature even during extreme heat. Stairs along the tomb's walls lead to the rooftop, providing a view of Helan town and its vibrant fields. Quranic verses are engraved on two sides of the grave, while one side bears Sheikh Ali Beg's full name and the date of his demise.
Approaching from the front, one can spot a tunnel beneath the tomb, leading to a basement that holds the actual resting place of Sheikh Ali Beg. The symbolic grave is located above it. Over time, the four walls and pillars surrounding the tomb have gradually deteriorated due to a lack of government attention.
During a recent visit, I observed that only a small section of one wall and a single pillar remain standing on one side.Near the Helan Tomb, there was once a mosque enclosed by the same four walls, but it has since collapsed, leaving only ruins. It's heartening to know that the archaeological department has initiated the renovation of this site, which is a commendable effort to preserve this invaluable heritage.
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