|
Gor Khatri
The Mughal gateway of a
caravanserai known as Gor Khatri" (Worriors grave) at the top
end of Sethi Street.
A huge Mughal gateway
leads into a courtyard over 200 meters (650 feet) square, which
was once surrounded on all four sides by
 rooms
for travelers. The site has been considered holy for nearly 2,000
years. In the second century AD, it was a Buddhist shrine and
monastery known as the Tower of Buddha's Bowl. With the decline
of Buddhism, it became a Hindu shrine,
This was built by
Shah Jahan's Daughter. During the Mughal era, it was common practice
throughout the empire for local notables to construct safe places
where wealthy merchants could stay. The merchant and their retinues
lodged in the lock-up rooms surroundings the central courtyard
of the caravanserai, normally paying a charge for the privilege.
The gates were locked from sunset to sunrise and the walls manned
day and night by armed guard, so that merchant could rest secure
in the knowledge that their goods were safe from robbers.
Gor Khatri has been
an important place for travelers. for thousands of years. But
now, Gor Khatri is used as government offices and also houses
police and fire stations.
Copyright ©
ApnaPakistani.net 2004-2005. All rights reserved. |
