SARAI BADARPUR

SARAI BADARPUR

the enclosure wall of the southern gateway, restored by INTACH (2014)

"Badarpur village "an area situated on the southeast edge of Delhi is residing three ponderous gateways of a Sarai (inn) belonging to the 18th century, in its heart. It is believed that these three historical gateways date back to about 1730 AD have been erected by Roshan-ud-daula, Who thrived in the reigns of Mughal rulers Farrukhsiyar and Muhammad Shah. 

Southern Gateway from front

This site was located along with Grand Trunk Road through which travelers used to commute and would generally stay or rest here. The inn has not been in existence anymore, but what remaining are its three residual gateways (northern, central and southern) lying in an axial line. Earlier which were enclosed with bastions and fortified walls from the east and west's parts. It used to Contain arched cells for the visitors in the enclosing walls which would be used for accommodation or to store their luggage, goods, vehicle and etc.

Central Gateway from the northern angle

These gateways are now surrounded by a bustling market with a little glimpse of Chandni Chowk, which seems to be quite engaging for the visitors. The conservationists has pointed out that the gradual erosion of space around the gateways had been a problem for several years, as people expanded their business premises and built bigger shops that took up every inch of space on either side of the three structures. The Sarai or inn where once weary travelers and merchants broke their journeys, has now cloaked into vicious illegal encroachment, by the consistently inhabited population. 

Northern gateway from inside

Albeit the structures are designated for protection under the "Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act" by High Court order in 2004. 

Later on, in November 2007 Delhi Development Authority (DDA) along with State Department of Archaeology, removed all unauthorized encroachments which were lying inside or around the structures. 

In 2014 work of restoration and preservation was also done, by "INTACH" and Department of Archaeology. Under which the enclosed wall of the southern gateway was restored and a metal fencing was installed around the front wall.

One of the resident "Farookh" aged between 55 - 60,  who grew in Badarpur Village after a conversation said, the arches constructed inside the gateways were once illegally occupied by the vendors and stored with goods as if that were there own sort  of godown. However a few years back a metal fencing was installed around them by State Archaeology Department. Unauthorized construction lied either side of the enclosure walls of the structures and gradually surrounded every inch of both sides, which later on got demolished profoundly by the residents to acquire more land. There's no breathing space can be seen between the gateways and the infringed shops around it.
Earlier these gateways happened to be seen through a far away distance but since the highly elevated skyway, bridges, and Metro line built here, it has concealed by them

Northern Gateway from front

Even after getting so many privileges the conditions are still not so good of these gateways. People are pasting and scrapping posters on it, writing names and even throwing garbage too in here. Which cause the arches often stink a lot and nobody is there to stop people doing this. Though you'll find a guard on the southern gateway who has been recruited after the restoration of the Southern Gateway's enclosures. still remaining 2 walls are not getting any attention, and are most likely to be pathetic in condition.