Many Kos Minars stand tall, but some cry for attention: Survey
A survey by the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) has brought to light the encouraging condition of Haryana’s medieval-era Kos Minars —distance markers from the Mughal era that once dotted the historic Grand Trunk Road. While most of the 47 minars surveyed across Haryana are structurally sound, a few are in need of urgent conservation.
Status check
Minars In good condition: Faridabad, Gharaunda, Karnal, Daha, Ambala
Those which need attention: Kot Kachhwa Kalan (Ambala) – collapsed
Machhaunda (Ambala) – Structural damage, erosion
Manana (Panipat) – Only base remains
Delisted by ASI: Shahabad (Kurukshetra) – missing
Mujessar (Faridabad) – missing
Typical structure:
21×21 ft platform
10 ft octagonal base
14 ft cylindrical shaft
Built during: Sher Shah Suri, Akbar, Jahangir reigns
Preservation by: ASI & Haryana Dept. of Archaeology
The survey, conducted under a project funded by the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, studied over 100 Kos Minars from 2023 to 2025 across Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. These iconic 16th-17th century structures, built during the reigns of Sher Shah Suri, Akbar, and Jahangir, once guided traders and travellers along the GT Road.
“Out of the 47 Kos Minars we documented in Haryana, most are in good shape — fenced, with ASI signage and cleaned regularly,” said Dr Vandana Sinha, Director, Centre for Art and Archaeology, AIIS, Gurugram.
The study was carried out in coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state archaeological departments. “We will share our findings with them,” she said.
Minars located in Faridabad, Gharaunda, Karnal city, Daha and Ambala are reported to be in very good condition. Others are in fair shape but show minor issues like hairline cracks, vegetation growth and surface erosion. However, a few are in a state of distress.
“The Kot Kachhwa Kalan Minar in Ambala has completely collapsed and only scattered bricks remain. The Machhaunda Minar, also in Ambala, shows structural damage and erosion at the base,” Dr Sinha said.
“In Panipat, the Manana Minar retains only its base structure,” she added.
Dr Chand Singh, a medieval architecture expert, said most minars follow a common design — “a 21×21 ft platform, a 10 ft octagonal base and a 14 ft cylindrical column.” The size and type of bricks help date the constructions, he said, adding that Haryana was under Delhi Suba and Punjab under Lahore Suba during the Mughal era.
The issue of monument preservation came up in Parliament recently, after Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat disclosed that 18 monuments had been delisted by the ASI, including two Kos Minars from Haryana — at Mujessar (Faridabad) and Shahabad (Kurukshetra).
“Both sites had been missing for decades. Despite multiple attempts, they couldn’t be located and were delisted following a complete survey,” said a senior ASI official.
Gaurav Narwal, senior conservation assistant, ASI Kurukshetra, said: “There are 10 Kos Minars in Karnal district and most are well-maintained with chemical treatment to preserve their originality.”
He said eight Kos Minars in Kurukshetra and one in Ambala are still under ASI protection. “The Shahabad Kos Minar was in the ASI list, but never existed on the ground. Despite repeated efforts, it remained untraceable and was eventually delisted,” Narwal said.
-With inputs by Nitish Sharma
Haryana Tribune