Aam Khas Bagh, Water heritage site in Fatehgarh Sahib District, India
Aam Khas Bagh is a royal inn complex containing multiple structures like the Sheesh Mahal and a bathhouse connected by underground water channels and terracotta pipes. The site features a water tank and interconnected buildings designed along a historic trade route.
The site was originally built under Emperor Akbar with architect Hafiz Rakhna, then rebuilt by Shah Jahan as a royal rest stop on the military road connecting Delhi and Lahore. This reconstruction marked its transformation into a major waystations for imperial travel.
The garden was divided into two areas: one for public use and one reserved for the royal court, reflecting how Mughal society organized spaces. This separation shows how access and privilege were physically expressed in the layout.
The site is best visited during drier months when the pathways are easier to navigate. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the different buildings and water features spread across the grounds.
The complex features an ancient cooling system called the Sarad Khana that shows how craftspeople managed heat without modern technology. This system used natural materials and clever design to keep spaces comfortably cool.
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