Shahi Road or Old Grand Trunk Road (شاہی روڈ \ قدیم شاہراہِ اعظم) is a historic thoroughfare located in the eastern frontier region of Lahore, Pakistan. It represents an original alignment of the ancient Grand Trunk Road (also known as Shahrah-e-Azam), which historically connected Kabul and Delhi during the Mughal Empire.
Historical Significance
Historically, the main route from the Lahore Fort's Delhi Gate extended eastward through this corridor toward the city of Tarn Taran Sahib. During the British Raj, the strategic alignment of the highway was altered. The British authorities diverted the primary route towards Amritsar to facilitate more efficient military movement between the Lahore Cantonment and Amritsar Cantonment. As a result, this original Mughal-era route lost its status as a Trunk National Highway highway but remained a vital local link.
Archaeological Landmarks
Several Mughal-era structures confirm the road's historical status:
- Kos Minar: Two surviving milestones built by Sher Shah Suri are situated along this route. One is preserved in the village of Raja Taal, India and the other is located in Manhala, Pakistan.
- Sarai Khan-i-Khanan: A historical caravanserai located near Manhala, which served as a resting point for travelers on the Delhi-Lahore axis.
- Manhala Shahi Mosque: A traditional mosque reflecting the area's historical administrative importance during the Mughal period.
Current Geography and Use
In the contemporary period, Shahi Road serves as a key transportation artery for several border villages, including Qila Jiwan Singh, Bhaini Sandhwan, and Ran Singh Padday, connecting them to the market town of Manhala.
The section from the Indian border at Qila Jiwan Singh to Manhala is a metalized (paved) road used for the transport of agricultural goods. West of Manhala, towards Nawa Pind Gujran, the route becomes an unpaved track, eventually terminating near the BRB Canal in the vicinity of Dhouri village.
See also
- History of Lahore
- Sher Shah Suri
- Mughal architecture
- Manhala