Transported to another era The structural backbone of the Roman Empire

 

The structural backbone of the Roman Empire, as history recounts, rested upon the intricate network of roads it constructed. Through this expansive communication system, the empire could seamlessly connect its newly acquired territories. Regardless of cultural disparities or linguistic barriers, the roads served as vital conduits for the ruling Romans. Via these roads, reinforcements could swiftly reach beleaguered governors and consuls, while revenues flowed steadily back to the heart of the empire. The pioneering achievement of the Romans was the construction of the Via Appia, the first paved road. Yet, Roman roads ranged from modest pathways between towns to expansive avenues facilitating the movement of armies to distant encampments and battlefields.

Centuries later, the Mughal Empire in India found itself in need of a similar communication network to maintain cohesion and consolidate central power. While the road had already been established by Sher Shah Suri, who constructed the Grand Trunk Road connecting the Indian subcontinent to Afghanistan, the Mughals sought to imprint their own distinctive mark on transportation.

The Mughals infused their travels with a sense of grandeur and spectacle, reflecting their penchant for aesthetic opulence. While modern times may showcase flashy cars, this inclination towards ostentation did not originate with the automobile. A glimpse into the Mughal era reveals their extravagant means of transportation.

During the 16th century and beyond, bullock carts were commonplace for ordinary Indians, while the affluent, including government officials, aristocrats, and courtiers, favored horses and camels. Waterways also saw occasional use for travel, employing boats. For those of high rank, such as the emperor or members of the royal court, elephants symbolized prestige and power. The sight of an emperor accompanied by a retinue of a hundred or more elephants, even during routine travel between palaces, underscored the drama of conquest and imperial status.

              The drama of conquest and the status of the 
        emperor as the conqueror could be emphasised 
                  even if he was only travelling from one

                                       to another.

Historical records, including those by Nazer Aziz Anjum, shed light on Mughal transportation. The elaborate howdahs, or covered seats atop elephants, provided comfort and luxury during long journeys, often doubling as sleeping quarters. The choudoli, resembling a sedan carried by two elephants, epitomized extravagance, while palkis, adorned with silk and velvet, catered to the transportation needs of lesser nobility.

In terms of cargo transportation, camels served as the semi-trucks of the Mughal era, bred and trained near Thatta to efficiently carry heavy goods across vast distances. Horses were primarily utilized for swift postal and courier services, prioritizing the rapid transmission of information.

The artistic flair of Mughal transportation, exemplified by lavish decorations and intricate designs, resonates in contemporary Pakistan, where ornate truck art reflects a tradition of aesthetic sophistication. Amidst the chaos of modern roads, reminiscing about the grandeur of Mughal processions offers a moment of respite, reminding us of an era when transportation was elevated to an art form.