AFCP 2023-25, Documentation of 16th-17th Century Mughal Monuments on the Grand Trunk Road
  • AFCP 2023-25, Documentation of 16th-17th Century Mughal Monuments on the Grand Trunk Road
  • AFCP 2023-25, Documentation of 16th-17th Century Mughal Monuments on the Grand Trunk Road
  • AFCP 2023-25, Documentation of 16th-17th Century Mughal Monuments on the Grand Trunk Road
AFCP 2023-25, Documentation of 16th-17th Century Mughal Monuments on the Grand Trunk Road


 
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Brahma Sarovar, Thanesar, Haryana

The Brahma Sarovar is a water tank located about 220 metres south of the Kurukshetra–Pipli Road in Kurukshetra district of Haryana. According to local tradition, it was originally excavated by King Kuru, the legendary ancestor of the Kauravas and Pandavas, and is associated with the belief that Lord Brahma created the universe at this site. The present structure, built of brick and cement mortar, includes modern ghats and surrounding constructions that appear to date largely to the 21st century. Though unprotected, the sarovar remains in good condition and continues to serve as an important pilgrimage centre.

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Bridge, Patarasi Kalan, Punjab

This bridge is located to the south of Patarsi Kalan village along the Patarasi Kalan (Chandumajra Road) in Fatehgarh Sahib district of Punjab. Although no historical records identify its date or patronage, the structure comprises two pointed arches with parapets rebuilt in modern brickwork and cylindrical towers. The bridge remains in active use, carrying a tarred roadway and serving as an important local crossing.

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Double-storied Mosque, Raja Tal, Pu...

The mosque at Raja Tal is a Mughal-period religious structure located approximately 300 metres south of the Tank of Todarmal in Amritsar district of Punjab. It was constructed in 1666–67 CE during the period of Emperor Aurangzeb. Built of lakhori bricks set in lime mortar and plaster, the mosque incorporates glazed-tile decoration on its facade. Architecturally, the mosque is developed on two levels: a lower basement chamber with arched openings possibly used as a madrasa or residence for the imam, and an upper prayer hall articulated by three arched entrances. In proximity to the mosque are two graveyards, locally referred to as khanqahs. The monument is unprotected and currently non-functional, showing extensive signs of deterioration such as loss of plaster, missing glazed tiles, vegetation growth, and damage to the basement arches. 

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Fatehpur Sikri Complex, UP

The Akbari Sarai at Fatehpur Sikri of Agra district in Uttar Pradesh is a Mughal-period caravansarai or rest house constructed during the reign of Emperor Akbar (r. 1556-1605) and is among the earliest surviving sarais of the Mughal era. It is referred to in early seventeenth-century accounts, including those of the European traveller William Finch. Built primarily of red sandstone, the sarai is a substantial four-terraced complex with a double-storeyed gateway and rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The complex also includes a Mughal-period octagonal stepwell, probably constructed between 1572 and 1575 CE, and the Hiran Minar, a watchtower or commemorative structure dating to the same period. All these monuments are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (Agra Circle).

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Fort of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Phil...

Located along the Grand Trunk Road (NH 44) in southern Phillaur in Jalandhar district of Punjab, this site originated as a Mughal-period sarai (rest house), likely established in the early seventeenth century and associated with Shah Jahan’s reign (r. 1628-1658). In the early nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh converted the sarai into a fortified complex by adding defensive walls, bastions, and a ditch, transforming it into what is now known as Phillaur Fort. The monument was notified as protected by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2010 and presently houses the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy. Only limited elements of the original sarai survive, notably the Lahori and Delhi gateways, while later Sikh-period and subsequent adaptations dominate the existing fabric.

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Fort, Payal, Punjab

The Payal fort is a late eighteenth-century fortified structure located near the town of Payal in Ludhiana district of Punjab. Tentatively dated to around 1771 CE and possibly associated with Maharaja Amar Singh, the fort is constructed of lakhori bricks set in lime mortar. The monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (Chandigarh Circle).

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