New Delhi: India is blessed with several monuments whose splendid architecture can leave anybody spellbound. Those monuments show the engineering marvel of India since the ancient times and also the amount of effort and creativity that went into constructing them. They also boost tourism as people visit those places in large numbers, with the massive footfall helping in the conservation of those properties. In this article, we will take a look at some of the monuments which stand as outstanding examples of architecture in India.
Famous architectural marvels in India
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the Yamuna river’s bank in Agra. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal and it also houses his own tomb. The crown jewel of Islamic art in India, the Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is one of the universally admired masterpieces in the world.
Sun Temple
The Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha’s Puri district is one of the architectural marvels in India. It is believed that king Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty constructed the temple in about 1250 CE. This temple was called the “Black Pagoda” in European sailor accounts as early as 1676 because it looked like a great tiered tower which appeared black.
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal is a palace in Rajasthan’s Jaipur. It was constructed from red and pink sandstone, and is located on the edge of the City Palace and extends to the Zenana, or women’s chambers. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. Hawa Mahal is considered to be unique as it has many small windows and balconies that seem like a honeycomb.
Qutb Minar
The Qutb Minar, also spelled Qutub Minar, is a minaret and victory tower in Delhi’s Lal Kot. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi’s Mehrauli area was mostly built between 1199 and 1220. It has 399 steps, and is one of the most-frequented heritage spots in the city. The height of Qutb Minar is 72.5 meters, making it the tallest minaret in the world built of bricks.
Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is hailed as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art. The caves have paintings and rock-cut sculptures which are among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art.
Brihadeeswara Temple
Brihadeeswara Temple is located in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur. It was built in a Chola architectural style and is one of the largest Hindu temples. The temple is an exceptional example of Tamil architecture and it was constructed by Chola emperor Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 CE. The temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Great Living Chola Temples”.
Amber Fort
The Amber Fort in Rajasthan is located high on a hill. It is Jaipur’s principal tourist attraction and is known for its artistic style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake, which is the main source of water for the fort. It is a great example of Rajput architecture and its design is also influenced by Mughal architecture.
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is a historical palace and a royal residence in Karnataka. It used to be the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. The current structure was built between 1897 and 1912, after the Old Palace burnt down. The Mysore Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India.
India boasts a rich tapestry of architectural marvels showcasing centuries of engineering prowess and artistic creativity. From the iconic Taj Mahal to the sun-drenched Konark Sun Temple, the article highlights seven prominent monuments representing diverse styles and historical periods. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
