Arab Serai, Caravanserai and monument in South East Delhi, India
Arab Serai is a caravanserai in South East Delhi with multiple gateways and arched rooms built into its walls. The northern entrance reaches about 12 meters high and opens onto inner courtyards where these vaulted chambers once served as storage and lodging spaces.
Built around 1560 by Haji Begum, widow of Emperor Humayun, the structure initially housed workers involved in constructing Humayun's Tomb. It functioned as a support facility for this large building project that required skilled labor over several years.
The red sandstone and quartzite walls with marble details show how builders combined different stones to create a sturdy structure. These materials were chosen for their durability and the way they catch the light throughout the day.
The eastern gateway opens to a former market area with multiple arched rooms in varying states of preservation. Take time to explore the interior spaces carefully, as some areas are more accessible and stable than others.
The facility once accommodated around 300 Arabas, Persian carts, making it one of the largest support structures for the tomb construction. This capacity reveals the scale of the operation and how many craftspeople and supplies moved through this location.
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