Grand Trunk Road passing through Shahdara, Delhi.
The network of expressways is increasing across the country. This has made travel easier. The first expressway of the country is called Mumbai to Pune. After that the sequence continued. Different expressways are making the travel of the country easier. The time of common passengers, freight transport, business, army etc. has started saving. When there were no national highways and state highways, the longest road in the country used to be the Grand Trunk Road i.e. GT Road. This was even before the British era.
Come, let us understand the whole story of GT Road, which is considered to be the oldest in the country. Where does it begin and where does it end? How old is the road? What is its condition now? Who actually built it? Was it really built by Sher Shah Suri or by some other ruler?
Where does the Grand Trunk Road go?
Historically the route of the Grand Trunk Road was very long. It started from Chittagong region of present-day Bangladesh and went towards India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Its old route in India mainly went from Kolkata to Delhi, Punjab and Amritsar. After this it was connected to Lahore, Peshawar and Kabul. Therefore it is called a major connectivity route of South Asia.
The Wagah-Attari Border between Amritsar (India) and Lahore (Pakistan) is located on the Grand Trunk Road.
This road connected Eastern India with North India and North-Western regions. Today, GT Road is connected to many national highways in India. A large part of it is included in routes like National Highway 19 and National Highway 44. There have been some changes in its name and route in different states.
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The history of the Grand Trunk Road is believed to be linked to the Uttarapatha of ancient India. Uttarapatha means the main path towards the north. This was an ancient trade and travel route. Such roads had great importance during the Maurya period. During the time of Chandragupta Maurya and later Emperor Ashoka, there was a need for roads to connect the large empire. Roads were built and improved for administration, army, trade and sending messages. Descriptions of ancient travelers and historians also show that there were roads leading to far away places in India. Traders, soldiers, sages, students and foreign travelers used to travel through these routes. It would be more correct to say that the original route of GT Road is very old. But it was developed as a systematic and strong road by many rulers at different times.
Who built the Grand Trunk Road?
Sher Shah Suri’s name is prominently cited as the creator of the Grand Trunk Road. But, if we look at the facts, it turns out that this is not completely true. Because Sher Shah Suri remained on the throne of Delhi for barely five years. Reportedly he remained on the throne between 1540 and 1545. He gained power by defeating Humayun in Kannauj. No one can build such a long road in a short tenure of five years.
Shershah Suri.
Yes, history tells that Sher Shah Suri played a big role in improving this route. Kannauj, where Suri defeated Humayun, is situated on this GT Road. He got the old roads repaired. The road was widened at many places. Built an inn for travelers. Get trees planted. Wells and postal system also developed. To measure distance, Suri built minarets on the road. One kos was considered to be around three kilometres. These towers helped travelers understand distances. In this way it should be said that Suri organized and strengthened the ancient path in a new form.
How was Shershah Suri’s road system?
Shershah Suri’s system was very advanced for its time. He did not consider the road only as a means of movement of the army. He also linked it to the needs of common people and businessmen. Travelers used to get rest in the inns built on the roadside. There was also space for horses and animals. Water arrangements were made near many inns. There is also mention of separate arrangements for Hindu and Muslim passengers at some places. This was an arrangement made keeping in mind the social needs of that time.
Mughal emperor Akbar. Photo: Getty Images
GT Road was important even during the Mughal period
Mughal rulers also used this route extensively. This road played a role in connecting Delhi, Agra, Lahore and other big cities. It was very useful for the movement of the army. Trade increased during the Mughal period. Cloth, spices, grains, metals, horses and other goods were transported from one place to another through this route. Many towns and markets developed around this road. This road did not just carry goods. Ideas, languages, food and traditions also traveled with it. People from different areas used to meet each other. This also strengthened cultural ties.
What changes did the British make?
The Grand Trunk Road was developed in a modern way during the British rule. The British wanted fast connectivity for army, trade and administration, so they made many parts of it concrete. In the 19th century, work was done on road repair, bridge construction and transportation system. At many places the roads were built according to new engineering. Its use also increased for mail and freight transportation. After the arrival of the railway network during the British period, the importance of roads changed in some areas. Still GT Road remained important. This was the main road connecting cities and towns.
GT Road passing through Shahdara, Delhi.
Role in business and economy
The Grand Trunk Road played a big role in the economy of India. In ancient times, traders used to travel through this route with bullock carts, horses and camels. They used to reach far away markets. Cotton, silk, spices, salt, grains and handicraft goods were sent through this route. This led to the expansion of markets. Many cities became trading centres. Even today road transport is essential for India’s economy. Many industrial and commercial areas connected to GT Road are active. Trucks, buses, private vehicles and local traffic use this route.
What is the condition of the Grand Trunk Road today?
Today the Grand Trunk Road does not exist in its original form. Many parts of it have been converted into modern national highways. Wide roads, flyovers and bypasses have been built on some parts. Different parts of it are visible in states like Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. However, in many places it is still known as GT Road. Traffic has increased a lot near cities. There are also problems like traffic jam, encroachment and pollution. The condition of some old parts is bad. There is a problem of potholes and waterlogging during the rainy season. On the other hand, the road has been widened in many parts. New bridges, bypasses and toll roads have been built. This has made long distance travel faster than before.
The Grand Trunk Road is a living symbol of India’s long history. Its original route existed since ancient times. From the Maurya period to Shershah Suri, the Mughals and the British, many rulers used and improved it. Shershah Suri’s contribution is considered the most important. He connected this route with organized roads, inns, post posts and Kos minarets. For this reason the name of GT Road is specially taken with it. Today this road has become a part of the national highways of modern India. Yet centuries of history are hidden within it. The Grand Trunk Road tells us that roads are not just paths. They are lifelines connecting people, cities, business and history.
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