5 HERITAGE

5.1

Built Heritage
Built heritage provides us vital information and know how about ancient culture, way of
life, level of development, building techniques, use of material, art and architecture and
other areas concerning physical, social, economic aspects of a society of a particular
period. Therefore, it becomes vital that this repository of knowledge forming vital
linkages between past and present is not only carefully and thoughtfully preserved but
also appropriately managed.
State of Punjab has inherited enormous wealth of built heritage and district Patiala in
particular has also followed the footprints of state. L.P.A Rajpura has a small share to
contribute towards districts major share.
In the year 1540-45 AD Sher Shah Suri introduced the system of Dak Chokiand few of
them later developed with Serai. In the year 1556-1606 AD the great ruler Akbar also
derived inspiration from Dak Choki to develop the idea of Kos Minar. It was used as
a better institution of communication and identification. These Kos Minars were useful
for those also who had lost their way. It also gave respite to the fatigued travellers. Most
of the Kos Minars found in present days in Haryana and Punjab were constructed by
Mughal emperor Jahangir (1605-27AD). According to Tuzik-i- Jahangir, emperor
Jahangir had ordered his fauzdar of Multan Baquir Khan in the year 1619 AD. to
construct Kos Minar at every Kos (5000 yards or modern 4.5 kms) according to Tuziki- Jahangir.
L.P.A Rajpura has following three heritage protected buildings:i) Kos Minar (Rajgarh)
The Kos Minar at village Rajgarh forming part of L.P.A
Rajpura is a brick structure covered with plaster and it
soars from a tapering octagonal base, which rises to
nearly half of its height. The octagonal base is separated
from the circular portion which lies on a square platform
by a moulding, above which runs a band of colour. It was
declared a heritage monument, protected under the The
Punjab

Ancient

and

historical

Monument

and

Archeological Sites and Remains Act-1964 vide

notification no. 359-T&C-76/19428 dated 14/07/1976 (area 7 Marla.)

ii) Kos Minar (Naushehra)
Another Kos Minar, Naushehra is also situated on G.T.
Road in tehsil Rajpura forming part of L.P.A Rajpura. It is a
roundish solid structure of Lakhauri bricks. Minar tapers
toward top. It was declared a protected monument by the
Punjab government under the The Punjab Ancient and
historical Monument and Archeological Sites and Remains
Act-1964

vide

notification

no.

360-T&C-76/19430

(comprising an area of 2 Marla.)

iii) Mughal Serai
Mughal Serai is situated on Sher Shah Suri Marg about 11 km from Rajpura, near
Shambhu barrier. It was originally built by
Sher Shah Suri. It lies on the route to Delhi
and provided shelter to the caravans of
merchants. It also served as a dak chowkie
and later on as a military and police post.
The serai was rebuilt by Mughals which is
evident from its style. Serai complex is
built in baked Lakhauri bricks and lime plaster. It spreads on an area of 128.54 x116.54m
square from outside including octagonal basions at corners. The monument has two
majestic two storeyed gates each in the north and south in typical Mughal architectural
style. The whole complex is plastered with lime and profusely painted all around with the
floral designs in natural minerals and herbal colours made locally. Based on serais
historical and architectural value, it was declared a heritage monument protected under
the The Punjab Ancient and historical Monument and Archeological Sites and Remains
Act-1964 for posterity through Punjab Govts. notification in 1975 and an amended
notification in 1995 (vide notification no. 12/85/95/4TC/2486 dated 20/09/1995) (area
53 Bigha, 15 Biswa) and is being conserved on the principles of Archaeology by the State
Archaeology Department.