NAKODAR
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has completed conservation and restoration work at Dakhni Sarai, a famous 17th-century Mughal structure. Situated on old G.T. Road connecting Agra with Lahore, Dakhni Sarai is among 30 listed monuments and archaeological sites of national importance in the state of Punjab.
ASI employee said two parking platforms have been constructed in front of the Lahori Gate of the monument for tourists to park their vehicles adding that the parapet wall on the left side has been reconstructed.
Dakhni Sarai is one of the finest and best-preserved specimens of Mughal caravan Sarai built along the old highway. It stands in the village of Dakhni on the Nakodar- Kapurthala road about 12 km from Nakodar. The Sarai was built by the well-known Mughal noble Ali Mardan during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1640 AD. It comprises 124 cells around a closed quadrangle with two imposing gateways in the centre of the eastern and western quadrangle, inside the quadrangle are a mosque and a wall.
However, area residents point out that conservation and restoration is not the only issue. They said to look at the approach road, Tourists, and locals both have difficulties in approaching the Sarai. The Punjab Government has failed to construct an approach road despite repeated reminders by area residents. Now the government has constructed a road from Mallian Khurd village following residents’ approach to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Residents said that this Sarai is of national importance, and we are proud of it the Punjab government should construct an approach road to Sarai as tourists are facing difficulties in reaching this monument.