The Grand Trunk Road, an ancient marvel and one of Asia’s most extensive and oldest thoroughfares, is now at the center of political discourse in Bihar, with the 2025 elections on the horizon. This legendary route boasts a profound historical connection to Bihar, with its foundations laid centuries ago by local rulers, long before the advent of the Mughal and British empires.
The route, which now spans across four South Asian nations, began its journey in Bihar. Its inception is attributed to two influential kings from the region. Emperor Ashoka, from the Mauryan Dynasty, initiated the construction of this imperial artery in the 4th Century BCE. Known then as ‘Uttarapath’, it originated from his capital, Pataliputra (Patna), and extended to Balkh in Afghanistan. Archaeological evidence, including Ashokan pillars and Buddhist relics, corroborates its ancient path from Afghanistan to Bangladesh.
Later, Sher Shah Suri, an illustrious son of Bihar, undertook a significant revival and expansion of the road during his reign from 1540 to 1556 CE. He is widely recognized for rebuilding the highway, initially linking his administrative center, Agra, to his native town, Sasaram, in Bihar. Suri renamed it ‘Shah Rah-e-Azam’ and significantly extended its reach from Sonargaon in present-day Bangladesh to Multan in Pakistan. His contributions also included planting trees and establishing roadside inns, known as sarais.
Over millennia, this historic pathway has been known by various names, reflecting the empires that governed it. It served as a critical conduit for trade, population movements, and military expeditions. The Maurya’s ‘Uttarapath’ evolved through the Suri’s ‘Shah Rah-e-Azam’ and the Mughals’ ‘Badshahi Sarak’, further enhanced with landmarks like the Kos Minars. The British administration later modernized it, bestowing upon it the name Grand Trunk Road, which largely aligns with modern Indian highways NH-1 and NH-2.
Stretching from Chittagong, Bangladesh, through India to Lahore, Pakistan, and extending to Kabul, Afghanistan, the GT Road remains a vital corridor. Its strategic importance was recognized during the Mughal era, where it was termed ‘Badshahi Sarak’ and utilized for administrative purposes, with provisions for sarais to encourage settlement and trade. The British modernization efforts in the 19th century underscored its military and logistical significance. The road’s enduring presence has facilitated immense traffic, vital trade, and cultural exchange, leaving an indelible mark on the subcontinent’s political and cultural landscape.