Serai Nurmahal, Caravanserai in Nurmahal, India.
Serai Nurmahal is a red sandstone inn composed of 140 cells arranged in a quadrangular layout with octagonal towers positioned at each corner. The structure also includes a mosque and water facilities that served the needs of traveling merchants.
Between 1619 and 1621, Empress Nur-Jahan, wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, commissioned this structure with assistance from Nawab Zakariya Khan. It was built to serve as a secure resting point for merchant caravans traveling along the trade routes of that period.
The western gateway displays detailed stone carvings of lotus medallions, angels, lions, and peacocks, reflecting Mughal artistic preferences.
The site sits in an open area and is accessible on foot, with the complex maintained by India's Archaeological Survey. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and prepare for outdoor exploration, especially during the warmer months.
The entrance complex features double gates that operated independently, creating a secure checkpoint system for travelers during Mughal times. This dual-gate design allowed officials to monitor visitors and control access to the entire compound.
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