HISTORICAL MONUMENTS IN INDIA
QUTUB MINAR
The Qutub Minar located in Mehrauli, Delhi, is also UNESCO World heritage site, and is 73- meters tall. This spectacular monument was initially funded by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, and was later competed under the orders of Shams-ud-din Iltumish. After being destroyed by lightning, it was Feroz Shah Tughlaq who ordered the monument to be reconstructed. Made of red sandstone, the Minar contains verses from the Quran.
AMER FORT
This fort is the finest example of Rajput architecture in Rajasthan. Perched on a hillock, Amer Fort is a beautifully made fort complex that comprises of palaces, temples and courtyard. Done with intricate lattice work, fine embossing and mirror work, Amer Fort is a visual treat to the visitors. The fort is the perfect reflection of the rich history of Rajput rulers.
CHAR MINAR
This well-crafted monument, known as the Char Minar, in Hyderabad, Telangana, also serves as a mosque. While in Hyderabad, a visit to this intricate four-towered monument is a must. Legend has it that the famous Golconda Fort is linked to the Char Minar through an underground passage.
SUN TEMPLE
Built in the
13th century by Narasimhadeva I, the Konark Sun Temple is located in
Orissa. Also known as the Black Pagoda, the structure resembles a chariot on
stone wheels, and is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. It is a significant
Kalinga monument that has not only been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO,
but has also made it to the list of Seven Wonders of India, compiled by NDTV
and the Times of India.
AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES
Though
differently built, these caves are usually mentioned together since they both
are located in Aurangabad, and consist of rock-cut places of worship. While the
Ajanta Caves consist solely of Buddhist temples, the Ellora Caves also contain
Hindu and Jain structures. Both these World Heritage Sites were made by
different dynasties over a vast period of time.
INDIA GATE
India Gate
is without a doubt one of the most recognizable structures of the country. Often
referred as the replica of Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this majestic monument is
dedicated to those 70,000 soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. Completed
in 1931; India Gate stands 42m tall in height with name of the Indian martyrs
carved on it. The Amar Jawan Jyoti is a much later addition to the structure,
which was created after 1971’s indo-Pak War. Today, India Gate is amongst the
most popular monuments in Delhi and India.
TEMPLE AT HAMPI
The city of
Vijaynagara in Karnataka houses a beautiful village named Hampi. However, Hampi
is not just any other village; it is home to the magnificent ruins of temples
that have collectively been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The most
renowned place of worship is the Virupaksha temple.
KHAJURAHO
The
Khajuraho Group of Monuments is located in Madhya Pradesh, and consists of
Hindu as well as Jain temples. These World Heritage Sites are known for their
use of erotic sculptures with elements of Nagara architecture. The reason why
they are referred to as a group, though they are meant for followers of
different faiths, is because these temples were built at the same time as a
symbol of religious tolerance.
JAISALMER FORT
Constructed
by Rajput king Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 AD, the Jaisalmer Fort is the largest such
structure in the world. Situated on the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, this
extraordinary structure is made of yellow sandstone. The ‘Golden Fort’ or ‘Sonar
Quila’, as it is often called, was named as a World Heritage Site in 2013.
TAJ MAHAL
This burial
chamber made of white marble is located in Agra, India. Declared a World
Heritage Site by the UNESCO, the Taj Mahal is considered as one of the most
romantic monuments in the world. It is not just its beauty that attracts
millions of people from across the world, but also its history. During the
Mughal Era, this construction of this mausoleum was commissioned by the
emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumthaz Mahal.
