Tarap Baoli: Resonating the Glorious Bygone Era of Sher Shah Suri

 

                                        

Born in 1486 in Sasaram Bihar as Farid Khan, Sher Shah Suri established the Sur Empire in northern India, with Delhi as its capital.He was known throughout history for being a progressive and heroic Pakhtun King. Among his numerous accomplishments were the construction of the Grand Trunk Road from Kabul to West Bengal, the introduction of civic and military reforms, the issuing of the first Rupiya coin, and the rapid development of the subcontinent's postal system.

                                                                                  

Sher Shah Suri, in addition to being a military strategist, was blessed with exceptional urban and civic qualities, and in a brief reign of only five years (1540-1545) over India, he had made himself everlasting. The accommodations for passengers along Grand Trunk Road tell much about his foresight and vision for the future.

                                                                                           

Sher Shah Suri pioneered quick and alternate routes.A Sarai, Baoli (stepped way water well), mosque/temple, gloomy trees beneath which horses, camels, and mules used to rest, a mail stop, and a safety post were among the services on the Sher Shah Suri Grand Trunk Road.

                                                                     

A lone Baoli still survives in its original configuration on Talagang-Attock road near Tarap village in Tehsil Jhand district Attock. Western CPEC route, the Hakla DI Khan Motorway also passes very close to the Baoli. According to locals, the Baoli has not been used in a long time. Local name for Baoli is Waan. According to a resident the Baoli was a source of quenching thirst and keeping passengers cool who stay inside it during hot summers. He said that the legend was that Sher Shah Suri along with his horse would go down into the well on the steps way to fetch water.

                                                              

Local residents have not harmed this Baoli since it is a valuable heritage structure and a landmark in which the local takes pride. According to folklore, whenever Sher Shah Suri passed through this area, he would stay at this inn and drink from its well. This well's water has now run dry. Mr Faisal a local told that it is the sole surviving Baoli in the Jhand. He stated that the Baoli was recently coated with cement and painted to protect it, although this is not the ideal technique to conserve the Baoli in its original shape. Its bright paint draws attention, but the original structure was more stunning. Mohammad Shoaib and Immi Gul noted photographers and heritage enthusiasts accompaanied the author during this exploration. They were of the view that they had been visiting such heritage sites but the beauty of this Baoli is something cannot be described in words. Author along with his contemporaries is preparing an album of Baolis carrying rare photographs of archeological sites including shrines, temples, Baolis and many other spots of historical significance to keep the heritage record safe for future generations.

                                                          

Since it was the only surviving water well in the area built by Sher Shah Suri, it should be preserved for the tourists. The cost may not be too high to renovate and guard it by a boundary wall. A signboard on the main roadside could be tucked for the visitors especially foreign tourists who take great interest in such monuments and archeological sites. “If revived and preserved, the historic Baoli could help boost local tourism too,” said Mr Shoaib and Immi Gul. Archaeological department should preserve it so that our rich heritage is preserved, they further added.