Sarai Dakhani, Mahlian Kalan, Punjab
  • Sarai Dakhani, Mahlian Kalan, Punjab
  • Sarai Dakhani, Mahlian Kalan, Punjab
  • Sarai Dakhani, Mahlian Kalan, Punjab
Sarai Dakhani, Mahlian Kalan, Punjab

Sarai Dakhni is one of the best preserved examples of Mughal sarais built along the old highway from Agra to Lahore. It is situated to the south of village Mahlian Kalan on Nakodar-Kapurthala road, 12 km from Nakodar. Currently there is no approaching road to this sarai and the monument is completely cut off from the main road. The sarai has a square plan with two lofty gateways at the east and west sides, and walled enclosures which are strengthened at the corners by an octagonal bastion topped by a domed pavilion. The façade of both the gateways were embellished with glazed tiles exhibiting arabesque designs most of which has come off. The mosque of the sarai is built in the southern part of the courtyard. The interior of the mosque is profusely painted with floral wall paintings. According to some sources, the sarai also had a hummam (public-bath) which presently doesn't survive. During early nineteenth century this monument was being used as a leper asylum.In 1919 it was given the status of a protected monument by the ASI of India.