gems, archaeology, archaeogemology, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mughal India

This paper introduces findings from recent architectural analysis of two Mughal caravanserais in Northern Pakistan, Gor Khuttree Serai and Paka Khanpur Serai (Fig. 1). Gathered as part of the author’s PhD research and with the support of the University of Peshawar Department of Archaeology and Hazara University, this study is a component of the Caravanserai Networks Project, directed by Dr Heather Miller of the University of Toronto, Canada. The discussion of these structures centers on the similarities and differences in their architectural and morphological forms. These similarities and differences are explored through consideration of period of creation, regional stylistic influence, regional availability of raw material and the skill and technical mastery of the builders and potential architects. It has long been believed that Mughal serais are ubiquitous in appearance and functioned in their imperial form as standardized halting points. Ultimately, this research project hopes to move beyond this basic assumption and address to what degree regionalization of building techniques and vernacular expression can be housed in these structures.