Road Networks and Baolis along the GT Road in Northern Punjab

Abstract

The research was conducted under the title "Road Networks and Baolis along the GT Road in Northern Punjab”. This study is exploratory and descriptive which describes in detail the current condition of baolis along Grand Trunk Road in Northern Punjab, Pakistan. This study has three main objectives which are to review the various studies done on road connections and baolis and to explore various sites in Northern Punjab, representing the current condition of baolis. The research also analyzes the similarities and differences in architectural styles of baolis with reference to road networks. Furthermore, it also focuses on the architectural styles and patterns of baolis including their shapes, measurements, and geographical location as well as their purpose. The Baolis (stepped wells) along Grand Trunk Road in Northern Punjab have been surveyed for archaeological documentation. The researcher has collected data from both primary and secondary sources. Field trips have been taken in order to collect the data. This study has been conducted on thirteen baolis in the areas of Gujrat, Jhelum, Rohtas Fort, Taxila, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Salt Range. Some of these baolis still exist while others have been damaged with the passage of time. Despite this, some baolis have vanished from the pages of history. The origin of Baolis and its connection with Grand Trunk Road has also been discussed in detail. Besides baolis, some of the remains of other historical monuments including sarais, Kos minars, dak chowkis, and army posts are still present along Grand Trunk Road. The origin of Grand Trunk Road from the time period of Chandra Gupta Maurya to Sher Shah Suri has also been discussed in detail. The main aim of the research is to explore the differences and similarities in baolis and their current condition. How these baolis have changed with the passage and their current condition is discussed in detail in this research. Keywords: Grand Trunk Road, baolis, sarais, dak chowkis, kos min