Mughal Serai, Caravanserai and fortress from Mughal period in Doraha, India
Mughal Serai is a fortified rest station from the 17th century in Doraha with approximately 100 rooms arranged along the northern and southern sides. Additional chambers occupy the eastern and western sections, creating a compact structure designed for travelers and merchants.
Mughal Emperor Jahangir commissioned this structure in the 17th century as a rest station for travelers and merchants on northern India's trade routes. It was built during a period of intense commercial activity and cultural exchange across the region.
The southern gateway displays painted decorations of plants and animals typical of Mughal design. The northern entrance shows detailed floral patterns that reflect the artistic traditions of that era.
The monument is located about 20 kilometers from central Ludhiana and is best reached by vehicle. The nearby Gurudwara Sahib serves as a helpful landmark and allows visitors to combine multiple stops in one trip.
The interior chambers preserve fragments of original ceiling paint that reveal the color schemes of this 17th-century rest station. These surviving pigments offer a rare glimpse into the artistic techniques used to decorate such trading posts.
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