CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Mughal Bridge, Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab

Many bridges were built by the Mughals when improving the Agra - Lahore road. Some of these have now been adapted into new landscapes such as this near Sheikh Chilli's Madrasa and Tomb complex in Thanesar on the National Highway 1/Grand Trunk Road/GT Road. A recently constructed 'Millenium Park' on this land transformed it into a low Japanese garden bridge in order to make it a part of the garden theme.

Pinjore Garden is one of the few surviving examples of Mughal terraced gardens in India and the only one left in Haryana. Laid around a natural spring in the foothills north of Delhi, this six terraced garden was built by Fidai Khan Koka, the supervisor of the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. It is said that Fidai Khan Koka couldn't stay in his garden for long. Later the garden passed through hands of many other kings and finally it was purchased by the Ruler of Patiala. It remained with them until four decades ago it was transferred to the Haryana Tourism Department that is responsible for maintaining it till today. The garden is known even today by the name of King Yadavindra of Patiala. It is a popular picnic spot on Simla – Chandigarh highway for the locals and tourists travelling to Simla from plains.

Mughal Sarai, Doraha, Punjab

Mughal Sarai, Fatehabad, Punjab

The Sarai at Gharaunda (National Highway 1/Grand Trunk Road/GT Road) was constructed by Feroz Khan in 1632, during the reign of Shah Jahan because of its location on the highway connecting Agra - Lahore. Currently only two gateways exist and are in good state of preservation. The gateways are arched two storeyed high and composed of bricks. The northern gateway is flanked by fluted circular bastions at both ends. Wall surfaces on the northern façade are adorned with niches and projecting balconies over brackets. The surfaces of southern gateway are also decorated with niches on either side of the arched openings with projected balconies, resting on brackets. The interior is lower in height and is provided with projecting balconies. The central passage houses a staircases leading to the terrace.