Gernaili Sarak By (Raza Ali Abidi) Educational Book House

Introduction

“Gernaili Sarak” (The Grand Trunk Road) is one of the most famous travelogues by Raza Ali Abidi, a well-known Pakistani writer, journalist, and broadcaster. Published by Educational Book House, the book records his journey along the legendary Grand Trunk Road (GT Road), one of the oldest and longest highways of South Asia.

The GT Road stretches for thousands of kilometers, originally constructed by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, linking the eastern and western parts of the subcontinent—from Sonargaon (Bangladesh) through India, across Punjab, and into Peshawar, Pakistan, up to the Khyber Pass. For centuries, it has been the lifeline of trade, culture, politics, and human movement in the region.

Raza Ali Abidi, known for his deep observation and warm style, transforms this road into a living character. His writing combines history, geography, culture, and personal encounters to create a book that is both travel literature and a historical record.

The Idea Behind the Book

Raza Ali Abidi had long been fascinated by GT Road. While many people travel it daily, few reflect on its deeper significance. For him, GT Road was not just a road—it was a symbol of history, carrying the marks of empires, trade caravans, Sufi saints, travelers, and modern-day migrants.

His aim was to rediscover this “mother road” of the subcontinent and tell its story through his own experiences, blending past and present in one narrative.

Structure of the Travelogue

The book is structured as a journey. Abidi starts from one end of GT Road and narrates his observations city by city, town by town, and village by village. Each stop becomes an opportunity to:

Recall historical events.

Describe cultural practices.

Share personal conversations with locals.

Observe the changes brought by modern life.

The writing style is simple, engaging, and full of life. Readers feel as though they are traveling alongside him.

Historical Significance of GT Road

One of the key features of the book is the way Abidi explains GT Road’s historical role:

Ancient Origins: The route existed even before Sher Shah Suri; it was used by traders and armies for centuries.

Sher Shah Suri’s Contribution: He rebuilt and organized it in the 16th century, setting up sarais (rest houses), wells, and milestones to facilitate travelers.

Mughal Era: The road became the backbone of the Mughal Empire, connecting major cities like Delhi, Lahore, and Kabul.

British Era: The British upgraded GT Road to serve their administrative and military needs.

Modern Role: Even today, GT Road remains a central artery of life in Pakistan and India.

Through these layers, the book shows how a road can become a mirror of civilizations.

Observations Along the Journey

Raza Ali Abidi’s strength lies in his keen eye for detail. He captures not only historical monuments but also everyday life along the road. Some of his key observations include:

Cities and Towns: Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Peshawar—each place holds unique history, architecture, and culture.

People: Abidi engages in conversations with roadside vendors, travelers, shopkeepers, and farmers. These ordinary people become part of the grand narrative of GT Road.

Markets and Bazaars: He describes the hustle and bustle, smells of food, and colorful shops that reflect South Asian culture.

Sufi Shrines and Mosques: He notes the presence of spirituality along the road, as saints and their shrines provided rest and inspiration for travelers.

Roadside Life: From donkey carts to trucks decorated in Pakistani style, the road is full of motion, representing both tradition and modernity.

Themes in the Book

1. History and Continuity

GT Road is presented as a witness to centuries of human activity. From emperors to common travelers, the road connects them all. The author highlights how the same path has been walked by conquerors like Sher Shah, Mughal kings, Sikh rulers, and colonial officers.

2. Unity of the Subcontinent

The road links Pakistan, India, and beyond, reminding readers of the shared heritage of South Asia. Despite political borders, the culture, language, and traditions along the GT Road carry a deep sense of unity.

3. Change vs. Tradition

Abidi contrasts old caravanserais with modern hotels, ox carts with trucks, and ancient bazaars with urban markets. He shows how life changes but also how traditions survive.

4. Human Stories

Beyond monuments and history, the book is filled with human stories—of travelers, workers, shopkeepers, and wanderers. For Abidi, GT Road is not only a highway but a chain of human experiences.

5. Nostalgia and Identity

The book often carries a nostalgic tone. For Abidi, GT Road is tied to cultural identity and history. He portrays it with affection, as though it is a character with memory and soul.

Style of Writing

Raza Ali Abidi’s style is warm, conversational, and deeply observant. He avoids heavy academic language. Instead, he narrates with a sense of curiosity, making the reader a companion in his journey. His background as a broadcaster is evident—his sentences are vivid, his descriptions sharp, and his storytelling smooth.

He also balances fact and feeling: when describing a sarai built by Sher Shah, he gives historical context but also shares how he personally felt standing there centuries later.

Educational Value

The book is not just a travelogue but also an educational resource. It teaches readers about:

South Asian history.

Geography of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Architecture of Mughal and British periods.

Cultural traditions, languages, and crafts.

Importance of trade routes in shaping civilizations.

For students and general readers, “Gernaili Sarak” provides history in an engaging, story-like format.

Impact of the Book

“Gernaili Sarak” is considered one of Abidi’s finest works. It has:

Revived interest in the history of GT Road.

Become a classic of Urdu travel literature.

Inspired readers to look at ordinary roads and places with fresh eyes.

Highlighted the need to preserve historical landmarks.

The book remains popular in Pakistan and India, read both by history enthusiasts and general readers.

Conclusion

“Gernaili Sarak” by Raza Ali Abidi is more than a travelogue—it is a journey through time, culture, and humanity. The Grand Trunk Road, once built by Sher Shah Suri, becomes in Abidi’s hands a living witness to centuries of South Asian history. Through his observations, conversations, and reflections, he shows how a simple road is in fact a thread connecting empires, people, and civilizations.

The book is filled with lessons of history, unity, and cultural pride. It reminds us that roads are not just physical paths but also carriers of memory, heritage, and human welfare. With its rich storytelling and educational depth, “Gernaili Sarak” stands as one of the finest examples of Urdu travel literature and continues to inspire readers to rediscover their cultural roots.