Conservation Plan for Teli Ki Sarai, Handia , Harda, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

A caravanserai is an important typology of the historic trade routes, such a convoy of travellers was called caravan or kafila to undertake long journeys, the words came from Persian and Arab origin, respectively. A historic caravanserai was a roadside inn where travellers (caravans) could rest and recover from the journey of the day and also be used for security from Bandits or Robbers. Caravanserais have facilitated the flow of goods, knowledge, and people through the trade routes network. In India, there is abundance in Sarais which are still existing in its original state but not in use. As a result of development and the subsequent shift in public infrastructure, less emphasis was placed on preserving these Sarais for the sake of their architectural or historical value and now most of the Sarais are not in use and abandoned. Now in a time of urbanization, there is some built heritage that is least focussed due to its location and less known which contained strong historical importance through its rich architecture. Handia is a small village located in Madhya Pradesh state in Harda district. It is located on the left bank of the Narmada river, and Teli ki Sarai is situated 3 km from Handia which was built during the 16th-17th century is the finest example of Mughal architecture. It was very prosperous during the time of Mughals. Being a trade point is Handia town on the major Mughal trade route from Agra to Surat the travellers have stayed in the Teli Ki Sarai during trading at that time. After the Maratha conquest in the region Handia was reduced to the status of village and due to negligence Teli ki Sarai being left ignored. Therefore, this thesis aims to prepare the Conservation Plan for the Teli ki Sarai in Handia, Harda, Madhya Pradesh. Before coming down to Teli ki Sarai a comprehensive study was done to understand the existence of Caravanserai its function and components in a world context and the transition from world to the Indian context. Through the comprehensive listing of Sarais in India based on categorization which is standalone entities and left ignored. Therefore, the thesis is developed with the vision to restore Teli ki Sarai and reuse it again. It is followed through detailed documentation of Teli ki Sarai and establishing its relevance and Significance. Detail description of the structure, the values and the intent of the iv study are described in the chapter of introduction. The research methodology, detailed explanation of the structure, analysis of the structural framework, construction materials, techniques and spatial analysis of the structure are followed and Teli ki Sarai, historical research about the building typology and the building itself, respectively. The proposal is based on the information gathered in the previous sections. This will result in the preservation and help in retaining its significance and identity as it is an integral part of Mughal caravanserai for the future generation to see.