When was Akbari Sarai built?
Construction at Akbari Sarai began during the reign of Islam Shah Suri in the mid-1550s. The cells and gateways date from the Shah Jahan period in the mid-1600s, with 1637 associated with the sarai's more developed form.
Questions about Akbari Sarai
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where is Akbari Sarai located?
Akbari Sarai is located in Shahdara Bagh, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It sits between the tomb of Jahangir to its east and the tomb of Asif Khan to its west.
What was Akbari Sarai originally used for?
Akbari Sarai was built as a caravanserai: a large inn providing shelter, food, animal fodder, and storage for travelers. It also served as a mail station called a dāk chowkī and as a base for caretakers of the nearby Tomb of Jahangir.
What is pietra dura and where does it appear on Akbari Sarai?
Pietra dura is a decorative technique that inlays semi-precious stones into marble to form intricate patterns. At Akbari Sarai, it richly covers the facade of the main gateway that serves as a portal to the Tomb of Jahangir.
Is Akbari Sarai a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Akbari Sarai is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, inscribed in 1993 together with the Tombs of Jahangir and Asif Khan.
Why is Akbari Sarai significant in Pakistan?
Akbari Sarai is considered the best-preserved example of a Mughal caravanserai in Pakistan. Its 12-acre complex retains 180 cells, two large gateways decorated with pietra dura and muqarnas, and a red sandstone mosque dating to the Suri period.