Delhi–Multan road

File:Roadevol.svg

Evolution of Indian trade networks. The main map shows the routes since Mughal times, Inset A: shows the major prehistorical cultural currents, B: pre-Mauryan routes, C: Mauryan routes, D: routes c. 1st century CE, and E: the "Z" shaped region of developed roads.

Names of territories during the Caliphate in 750 CE.

An accurate map of Persia by Emanuel Bowen showing the names of territories during the Persian Safavid dynasty and Mughal Empire of India (ca. 1500–1747)

Delhi–Multan road, an ancient route had existed since the time of king Ashoka or earlier, was renovated by the Sur Empire ruler Sher Shah Suri (1486–1545) in order to improve transit in the areas between Delhi and Multan, leading to Kandahar and Herat in Afghanistan, eventually to Mashhad capital of Khorasan province of Iran, providing access to capital city Ashgabat of Turkmenistan."

Messaging System

There were small posts every few miles where horses were ready to receive messages to send from one post to another. Messages from the Delhi court were reaching Multan, which was around 500 miles away, within days.

Route

On the Indian side, it passed through Rohtak, Meham, Asigarh Fort at Hansi, Firoz Shah Palace Complex at Hisar, Fatehabad, Ratia, Bhatinda and Malout, etc.

On the Pakistani side, the road goes through the cities Lahore, Nankana Sahab, Harapa, Chichawatni, Tulamba, Makhdumpur, Kabirwala and finally Multan. Sher Shah also built a fort in Tulamba City to make a strong Communication path from Multan to Delhi

In Afghanistan, from Multan it led to Kandhar and then on to Herat.

In Iran, from Herat it led to capital city Mashhad of Khorasan province of Iran.

In Turkmenistan, from Mashhad it eventually led to capital city Ashgabat of Turkmenistan.

See also

• Grand Trunk Road