I believe that the thought of preserving a very old monument and converting it into a museum or tourist attraction is still an alien concept for us. What we like most is the philosophy of ugly modernization where we would demolish some old beautiful monument to make space for the construction of some not so attractive malls or for selling residential plots.
Situation gets even more worse when the monument gets demolished but no new building or mall is erected in its place. We end up losing one of our heritage piece and also fail to modernize our city. One such monument is (or perhaps use of 'was' is more suitable) situated in Narnaul city.
Local people know it as Purani Kechari (Old Court). Built in 17th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan it was actually a serai. It was known as Serai of Rai Mukund Das, named after the person who was believed to be a banker of the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan.
Entry gate of the Serai (Old Court)
This Serai was one of the few surviving landmarks of the struggle of 1857 in this area. In the first half of the battle of Nasibpur (16th November 1857), it was used by the local army as their base but during the second half, it became a boarding place for the armies of East India Company. Many field reports of that day(of company officers) would tell you how much struggling this battle was. Even the control over this sarai was not easy for the company army.
After the battle this whole region of Mahendragarh district became a part of the territory of Maharaja Patiala. This Serai then started its second journey as a court complex which continued for more than 120 years.
It is believed that the older sections were demolished completely in the beginning of previous decade to make space for erecting a modern shopping complex. A decade later, there are still no signs of that complex.
Court from inside
Remains of the serai
Another look at the ruins
I am not sure whether it was intentional or by mistake that the entry gate of the serai was left standing as it is. This grand gate and a Persian inscription near it, are the only remaining proofs of the grand past of this monument.
Inscription near the gate is still in good condition.
(As written in comments' section by Tarun Pant ji- Translation of this Persian Inscription includes the complete name of Shahjahan- Abul Muzaffar Shahbuddin Muhammad Sahab-e-qiraan Shahjahan Badshah Ghaazi. This inscription describes this building as a 'Karvaan Sarai')
If there are any mistakes in it or any part left untranslated, please do the favor of uploading the improved translation in comments section.
About Narnaul :- Narnaul city is situated at a distance of 50 Km from Rewari, 150 Km from Delhi and Jaipur..
About the monument :- This monument is known as Puraani Kechari among the local people. It is situated behind the Government Rest House (PWD rest house).
Co ordinates of the monument :- 28°02’58.36” N 76°06’26.25”
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