Akbari Sarai: A Mughal Era Luxurious Inn
Akbari Sarai is an airconditioned Mughal-era luxurious accommodation for travellers of that time. It was as lavish as the five-star hotel of today. the British Ambassador, Thomas Roe stayed in the Sarai when he came to India to obtain trade permission for the East India Company. The Mughal emperors had built Sarai, Kothas and Dharamshalas like today’s five-star hotels in Burhanpur during their reign. Among these buildings, the Akbari Sarai built during the reign of Jahangir is the most prominent building.
Construction
This Mughal-era historical inn is in the Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It was a remarkable structure, serving as a luxurious accommodation for travellers during the Mughal era. It is located in Qila Anda Bazar Mohalla of Burhanpur city. This Sarai was built by Abdul Rahim Khankhana, who was the Subedar of Khandesh province. It was built on the orders of Emperor Jahangir in the year 1621. The Sarai was built to provide accommodation to travellers, businessmen, pilgrims and other visitors. Presently Akbari Sarai is in the ownership of Burhanpur Municipal Corporation, which is being used as a warehouse.
Architecture
The entrance is made of black stone. The main entrance of Sarai is about 30 feet high. There is an inscription at the top of the entrance in the Persian language, which shows that the Sarai was built in 1027 AH (Islamic Calendar) under the supervision of Lashkar Khan, who was the manager of the Subedar’s Construction Department. The Sarai boasts impressive Mughal architecture, featuring a large central courtyard surrounded by rooms. In the inner part of the Sarai, rooms are built on both sides.
Accommodations
There are about 110 rooms in the Sarai. the Sarai offered spacious and comfortable accommodations for travellers. It also provided amenities like a mosque, kitchen, and hammam (bathhouse). The beautiful mosque adjacent to this inn is not in good condition today.
Luxury
The Akbari Sarai was known for its luxurious amenities, often compared to a “five-star hotel” of its time. These rooms were airconditioned. Natural ventilation through strategically placed windows and jharokhas kept the interiors cool, while courtyards and gardens provided a serene atmosphere. For ventilation purposes, large iron pipes have been installed on them. Holes are made for the circulation of wind on the domes to keep the rooms cool.
Historical Significance
The Sarai has witnessed significant historical events. In 1615, British ambassador Thomas Roe stayed here during his negotiations with Jahangir for trade concessions for the East India Company. This visit marked a turning point in Anglo-Mughal relations and paved the way for the establishment of the British East India Company in India.
Today, the Akbari Sarai stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance and hospitality practices of the Mughal era. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its historical significance and architectural beauty.
Heritage in Peril
The once-grand Akbari Sarai in Burhanpur stands as a tragic reminder of neglected heritage. This historical landmark, built during the Mughal era, now lies in a state of disrepair. Roaming pigs and hogs defile its majestic halls, a stark contrast to its past glory. The intricate carvings and architectural finesse are slowly succumbing to neglect and decay. Unless immediate action is taken, this architectural gem risks disappearing entirely within the next few years, leaving behind only a faint echo of its former grandeur. The Akbari Sarai’s plight serves as a stark warning, urging us to actively protect our historical treasures before they fade away forever. Currently, the Sarai is being used as a godown by the Burhanpur civic administration.
About Burhanpur
Burhanpur City, a Municipal Corporation is the administrative headquarters of Burhanpur District in Madhya Pradesh. Burhanpur was developed by the rulers of the Farooqui dynasty of Khandesh in 1388, which became the capital of their sultanate. The city was named after a well-known Sufi saint, Burhan-ud-Din of the medieval period. The rulers of the Farooqui dynasty built many buildings and palaces there. During their reign, Burhanpur became an important centre for trade and commerce. It was a hub of textile production at that time.
the Khandesh sultanate was annexed by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1601. After the annexation, the Khandesh was converted from a Sultanate to a province and Burhanpur became the province’s capital. During the Mughal reign, several buildings, palaces and civic amenities were constructed. The Mughal period’s historical monuments and remnants attract tourists across the globe.
How to Reach
If you’re planning a trip to Burhanpur, here’s how you can get there.
By Air: The nearest airport to Burhanpur is located in Indore, which is about 210 km away. You can easily find flights connecting Indore to other major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Raipur, and Nagpur.
By Train: Burhanpur is well-connected to major cities via the Indian Railways network. It falls on the Mumbai-Delhi & Mumbai-Allahabad, central rail route. You can take super-fast or express trains to reach Burhanpur. It’s directly connected to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Gwalior, Katni, Jabalpur, Pipariya, Jhansi, and Bhopal.
By Road: Burhanpur is located near the Maharashtra state border, making it easily accessible by road from Bhusawal, Jalgaon, Aurangabad, and other nearby areas. The road condition from Indore is good as well. Many road transporters operate buses from Indore to Burhanpur.
WHEN TO VISIT
Burhanpur is a city that offers a plethora of historical monuments and buildings for visitors to explore. While this destination can be visited all year round, it’s important to consider the weather and climate before planning a trip. The climate in Burhanpur is generally dry and hot, which may affect your travel experience. To make the most of your visit, it’s advisable to plan your trip between October and March, as the weather during this time is pleasant for tourists from India and abroad. This period is the best time to visit Burhanpur and explore its rich cultural heritage.
PS: Please note, there is another Akbari Sarai located in Shahdara Bagh in Lahore Pakistan.
