The historic Mughal Road, connecting Bufliaz in Poonch to Shopian in Kashmir, serves as an alternative route to the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Traversing the picturesque Pir Panjal range, this road traces its origins to an ancient path that facilitated trade and travel for centuries. During the Mughal period, it was transformed into an imperial highway connecting Lahore to Srinagar, extensively used by emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
Passing through scenic landscapes such as Hirpora, Dubjan, and the Pir Panjal Pass at an altitude of 3,500 meters, the route offers a breath-taking journey imbued with history.
Aliabad Sarai, a remarkable relic of the Mughal era, stands as a silent witness to centuries of history along this iconic road. Situated near Nallah Panchal in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sarai once served as a crucial resting point for travellers navigating the rugged terrains of the Pir Panjal range.
However, years of neglect left this historic site in a state of disrepair.
Built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century and later restored by Shah Jahan through his governor Ali Mardan Khan, Aliabad Sarai was a symbol of Mughal ingenuity.
Constructed with rubble stone and small baked bricks, the structure reflects meticulous attention to detail. Its square plan, red lime mortar construction, and south-facing orientation exemplify the architectural brilliance of the era. Internally, the Sarai featured multiple cells and rooms designed to provide comfort and safety to royal caravans, traders, and nomads. A grand stone gate, now missing its door, stands as a testament to its former splendour.
More than just a rest stop, Aliabad Sarai was a cultural and logistical hub along the imperial route. Historical records indicate that it was one of 14 halting stations stretching from Delhi to Lahore and onward to Srinagar.
These stations catered to both royalty and commoners, offering shelter and essential resources like water, ingeniously supplied through earthen pipes from the nearby Nallah Panchal.
Local folklore tells of a small hamlet of about 15 Muslim families who once lived near the Sarai, their legacy marked by the remnants of an old graveyard still visible today. In recent years, the site has been seasonally inhabited by Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, who use it as a transit shelter during their migratory journeys.
Despite its historical and architectural significance, Aliabad Sarai faced extensive neglect and deterioration. Local residents, such as Mohammad Rafiq Sheikh from Shopian, have long lamented the lack of attention given to this cultural treasure. Years of misuse, including its use as a shelter for cattle, further damaged the structure. Archaeologists have repeatedly emphasized the importance of preserving such sites, describing the Sarai as one of the “passenger sheds” of the Mughal era and highlighting its influence on Kashmir’s architectural traditions.
Currently, the Sarai is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and governed by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act of 1958.
Conservation efforts, however, were only initiated in 2023, with ASI taking significant steps to restore the site.
Junaid Ahmad Khan, the Conservation Assistant of ASI, confirmed the restoration progress, saying, “We began by ensuring the site’s cleanliness and rectifying a damaged wall. A gate has been installed, and we are now working on erecting a fence to prevent cattle from entering the premises.”
He also mentioned that meetings with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Shopian were held to promote the site for eco-tourism.
As part of these discussions, the Wildlife Department was approached for a temporary approach path to the Sarai.
“We have been conducting annual repair and restoration work to improve the site’s appeal. Further restoration plans have been proposed for the next year, and we estimate that full restoration will take approximately five years,” Khan said.
He expressed optimism, noting that visible improvements have already been achieved following ASI’s intervention.
The ongoing restoration of Aliabad Sarai offers a glimmer of hope for the preservation of this historic landmark.
