Kotwal’s Sarai in Ambala: An archaeological study of Mughal office

This paper highlights the present condition of Kotwal's Sarai in Ambala City. In Ambala Kotwal's Sarai is known as Kotwali Sarai. Kotwal was essentially an urban officer, being the chief of the city police. The ideal Kotwal is described as a man who follows the regulations in his outward actions. The Kotwal's functions are also minutely enumerated in the Ain-i-Akbari. Manucci gives a more valuable account of the Kotwal's work from actual observation. Kotwal's office required a building for their working. Therefore Mughal Empire wanted that Kotwal should establish a separate sarai. Sarai is a Persian word, meaning a palace or an edifice. But in Hindustani, a halting place.