Mughal Serai, Doraha is a
caravanserai
A caravanserai (or caravansary; ) was an inn that provided lodging for travelers, merchants, and Caravan (travellers), caravans. They were present throughout much of the Islamic world. Depending on the region and period, they were called by a ...
located at
Doraha in
Ludhiana District, India. Its popularly known as Mughal Caravan Serai as well as Doraha Sarai . It should not be confused with
Serai Lashkari Khan, which is situated at away.
History and status
Doraha Serai was built by the
Mughal ruler
Jahangir as a caravanserai, to support Mughal caravans.
Once an example of fine
Mughal architecture
Mughal architecture is the style of architecture developed in the Mughal Empire in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries throughout the ever-changing extent of their empire in the Indian subcontinent. It developed from the architectural styles of ea ...
, the serai is now in a dilapidated condition due to neglect. It is currently under the care of the government.
Architecture
The Mughal Serai covers an area of , with imposing gateways in the center of the northern and southern sides. The southern gate is decorated with paintings of both flora and fauna while the northern gate features solely floral designs. Both gates are connected to the 'Kaccha Pathway'.
There are about 20 rooms on northern and southern sides, and 30 on the eastern and western sides. There is also a 3-room suite. There are some areas which might have been used as ''
Hammam
A hammam (), also often called a Turkish bath by Westerners, is a type of steam bath or a place of public bathing associated with the Islamic world. It is a prominent feature in the culture of the Muslim world and was inherited from the model ...
'', or baths, in eastern parts of the fort.
Many of the rooms have been specifically designed to admit light and facilitate
ventilation of air. Most rooms are provided with slanting ventilators. The ceilings were once painted with lively colors; traces are still visible.
The western side includes the ruins of a
mosque
A mosque ( ), also called a masjid ( ), is a place of worship for Muslims. The term usually refers to a covered building, but can be any place where Salah, Islamic prayers are performed; such as an outdoor courtyard.
Originally, mosques were si ...
, which had also been painted in lively colours. A single-story structure adjoining the mosque may have been the
Mullah's residence.
Gallery
Inner view of Mughal Serai ,Doraha.jpg, Inner view of Mughal Serai, Doraha, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Punjab () is a States and union territories of India, state in northwestern India. Forming part of the larger Punjab, Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, the state is bordered by the States and union territories of India, Indian states ...
.
Visitor Welcome Gate Doraha Serai.JPG, Visitor Welcome Gate at Doraha Serai.
See also
*
Tourism in Punjab, India
*
Serai Lashkari Khan or
RDB Fort
References
External links
@YouTube
Ludhiana district
Mughal caravanserais
Monuments and memorials in Punjab, India
Ruins in India
Buildings and structures in Punjab, India
Caravanserais in India
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