Some 40 km from Amritsar, along the Taran-Attari road in Punjab, is situated the historical site of Sarai Amanat Khan, well-known for its ornamental gateways and glazed tile decoration of the Mughal Period. A visit here takes you to one of only four surviving sarais (inn) of the Mughal era to give you a visit into the pomp and pride of historical India.
Apart from its architectural glory, the sarai is also popular for being the erstwhile residence of Amanat Khan – the man who was credited for the world-renowned calligraphy of the Taj Mahal, Agra. It’s thus obvious to find in the artwork here strong imprints and similarities with the same legendary calligraphy of the Taj. Built in 1640, the structure is rich in inscriptions and calligraphy immaculately shown in fading blue tiles and yellowish tinges.
In the medieval time, the sarai was used as a guest house for those taking a visit en route Agra to Lahore or vice versa. Also housing the mausoleum of Amanat Khan, the site today is visited by tourists for its exquisite Mughal style sculpture and remarkably carved gateways. In essence, Sarai Amanat Khan is a site that would quench your appetite for rich vignettes of the Mughal era.