Mughal Sarai: A symbol of Tapi Town’s enduring legacy

Surat: A name steeped in centuries of memory quietly turned a new page as Surat Municipal Corporation renamed the historic Mughal Sarai building as Shree Tapi Bhavan after serving as the civic body's office for nearly 159 years. Mughal Sarai had housed the Surat civic administration since 1867.However, with time, various changes were made to the original structure, and it got a new name as well after the general board of elected representatives in SMC renamed the Indo-Islamic style two-storey stone structure.The Surat municipality office shifted to this building in 1867, according to the documented history. Earlier, the offices operated in Head Post Office buildings in the Nanpura area. Various changes were made to its original structure. The major one was the development of an annexe building on its northern side. The new building was provided access from the heritage structure on the ground, first, and second floors. As the number of offices increased, the new building was developed to accommodate staff.However, the offices of top officials continued to remain in the heritage structure, including the city Mayor, municipal commissioner, and others. Many changes were made in the original structure to keep it in good condition and to meet the requirements of officers. It has air conditioners, fans, false ceilings, wall panelling, and others, but the building maintained its charm, which one feels as soon as stepping inside.This building has strong architectural value. Its different parts are skilfully designed and well arranged. The arches, cornices, decorated parapets, and carved patterns on the outside work together in a balanced and attractive way. Built on a strong foundation, it remains intact and is still in very good condition. The courtyard in the centre of the building has a fountain as well, and the area is used as parking space for employees and councillors.Mughal Sarai was constructed in 1644 by Eshak Beg Yazdi, also named Hakikat Khan, former chief of guard for Mumtaz Mahal's family. Appointed by Shah Jahan, Khan was chief officer of Surat city, and during his tenure he built Mughal Sarai, which was a travellers' inn for pilgrims going to and returning from Mecca and Madina. The area named after Macca—Makkai Pul (bridge)—is also located around 1 and a half km away. The location on the bank of the Tapi river was the pick-up point for the travellers who used to take ships from here.Details about the Sarai were inscribed in the Persian language on 2 marble stone plaques, around 3.65 metres each, and placed at the entry gate. The plaques were later shifted to the Prince of Wales Museum of Bombay in 1929 due to the efforts of R D Banerji, an officer in the Archaeological Survey of India. SMC later received an image of the inscription and kept it in its record.It should be noted that the new SMC headquarters is under development at Ring Road at the cost of around Rs 1,300 crore."The building was initially named Humayun Sarai for a few years after it was built and later became popular as Mughal Sarai. During British rule, it was also used as a temporary jail, and at the time of shifting of Surat Municipality to this building, Rs 33,080 was spent for repair and restoration," said Sanjay Choksi, a history researcher.