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MONUMENTS IN INDIA
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Our eyes and our mind are absolutely satiated with the wonders that we have seen; the first are weary with objects so gigantic and extraordinary, and the latter has been so much on the stretch, being crowded and overwhelmed with ideas so over powering and various, that we ever despair of forming any calm judgment upon them.
Looking back at five thousand years of Indian History we witness thousands of monuments across the country from north to south and east to west we have monuments belonging to Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians for example if you are talking about Delhi in Delhi alone we have 2200 monuments alone |
India Gate, Delhi
A memorial to over 90,000 indian soldiers who died in world War I. The name of 13.516 soldiers are inscribed on it. The arch rising to a height of 42 m. is surmounted by a stone bowl where since 1971 an eternal flame has been lit - the Amar Jyothi - to honour the Unknown Soldier.
Qutab Minar, Delhi
It is one of the best known symbols of Delhi, Qutab Minar was bult by Qutb-ud - din Aibak, the slave king in the 13th century as a victory tower. It is 72.5 meters high. The five - storeyed minar of red sand stone has ornamental filigree of Koranic in scriptions. In the centre of its courtyard is an Iron Pillar erected by king Chandra Verman which has remained rust - free for more than 1500 years.
Red Fort, Delhi
The citadel of the seventh Delhi, Shahjahanabad, it is over 2km. In circumference and has within its precincts several beautiful edifices. Built by Shah Jahan in 17th century, the Red Fort was the seat of Mughal power in India until 1857.
Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Delhi
The official Residence of the President of India, set in 330 acres of land was formerly the Viceregal Palace. Overlooks a beautiful Mughal garden. It has 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies and loggias, 1 km of corridor, 18 staircases and 37 fountains.
Bahai House of Worship, Delhi
The lotus shaped marvel in marble is referred to as the Taj Mahal of the 21st century, Completed in 1986, it has about 10,000 visitors every day.
Humayn's Tomb, Delhi
One of the most perfectly planned octagonal buildings in the history of indian architecture. It served as an inspiration for Taj Mahal. By the side of Mathura road, to the east of Hazarat Nizamuddin's shrine, this memorial to Humayun was built by his senior widow (Haji Hamida Begum) (AD 1565).
Jama Masjid, Delhi
The largest mosque in Delhi, bult during the reign of Shah Jahan. It is situated just opposite the Red Fort. Over 20,000 people can gather here at a time to pray.
Jantar Mantar, Delhi
The oldest observatory of its type, constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1725. It is dominated by a huge sundial. Other sitructures are meant for measuring the position of stars, altitudes and calculating eclipses. A similar observatory eists in Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple, Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 17th century)
The monumental gateways are among the most elaborately carved in South India. It is believed there are about 30 million sculptures in the temple
Jewish Synagogue, Cochin (Kerala)
Built in 1568 it is the earliest surviving synagogue in India. It has the Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, historical copper plates and exquisite Chinese hand - painted tiles.
Golden Temple, Amritsar (Punjab)
The holiest of the Sikh Shrines, part of the exterior is gilded with gold leaf. The Hari mandir in the midst of a pool has its reflection shining in the midst of a pool has its reflection shining in the still waters of the sacred tank. Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, is enshrined inside, Built in 1577.
Taj Mahal, Agra (UP)
One of the seven wonders of the world, it was built of white marble by Emperor shah Jahan between 1630 ad 1648 to immortalize his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. The greatest showpiece of Mughal architecture is noted for its unique design and ornate façade. A dream in white marble.
Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh)
At 53.5 m. (175 ft.) . it is the highest gateway in India. It was built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri, 50 km. From Agra, to commemorate his conquest of Khandesh in Gujarat.
The Bada Imambara, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
Asia's largest vaulted hall, a hall with out any external support of wood, iron or stone beams.
Gateway of India, Bombay
A triumphal arch built to commemorate the visit of British monarchs king George V and Queen Mary in 1911. The last of the British troops left India through it. It is a 26 feet tall architectural marvel.
Kailash Temple, Ellora (Maharashtra)
Largest rock cut shrine in India, measuring 84 m x 47m. it was carved out from the top of a hillock and over 200,000 tonnes of rock were removed, Built during the reign of King Krishna I who ascended the throne in 760 AD.
Charminar, Hyderabad (AP)
A majestic monument of four minarels built in 1591, to commemorate the cessation of plague in the city, according to the chronicles. This city landmark is a magnificent gateway with its fine stucco work and graceful towers.
Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur (Karnataka) (17th century)
Its dome is the second largest in the world. The Whispering Gallery within is so called because even the gentlest whisper echoes across its great lengty. The 40 meter diameter Gol Gumbaz has a marvellous acoustical system.
Se Cathedral, Velha (Goa)
The largest church is Asia, completed in 1652, it has a 80 meter - long aisle and 14 altars. The Cathedral dedicated to Saint Catherine has five bells of which one is the famous Golden bell, one of the best in the world. A glorious example of Renaissance architecture.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Velha (Goa) 17th century)
The church houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. A fine example of baroque architecture, it is the richest of churches in Goa.
Mahabodh Tempole, Bodhgaya (Bihar) (7th century)
Erected to mark the spot of the Buddha's enlightenment, this is the sole survivor of the monumental brick traditions in India. The temple is a primodal tower 170 ft. high, crowned by a bell like stupa.
Victoria Memorial, Calcutta A marble monument commemorating the express Victoria. A storehouse of Indian history and Victoria memorabilia.
Hawa Mahal, (Palace of Winds)
Jaipur The landmark of the Pink City, built in the 18th century. The intricately carved and balco nied, five storeyed façade of 953 indos as built for the omen of the harem to look out ithout being seen themselves.
Sanchi stupa, Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh)
The great hemisphere is 120 ft. in diameter and covers the relics of Gautama Buddha.
Lingaraja Temple Bhubaneshar (Orissa)
The height of this 11th century shrine is 36.5 m. There is a triple tier of mouldings with numerous prestigious and sculpted niches.
Jagannath Temple, Puri (Orissa)
The 12th century shrine of the Lord of the Universe rising to a height of 65 meters, its conical pinnacle overlooks the landscape for miles around. The wall treatment integrates architectural and sculptural elements. Rath Yatra in June is the chief festival.
Surya Temple, Konark (Orissa)
The sun temple or 'Black Pagoda' was coceived as a chariot of the sun god, drawn of 12 pairs of wheels by seven horses. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimha Deval.
Khajuraho Temples
(Madhya Pradesh) (11 th century) 22 temples (out of the 85 originally biuilt by Chandela kings) known for their graceul contours and erotic sculptures. They are one of world's greatest artistic wonders. The sculptures present woman as their celebrated theme.
Shatrunjaya Hill Temples, Palitana (Gujarat)
The hill is crowned by about a thousand magnificent Jain temples, which are marble structures built over a period of 900 years. A sacred spot of the Jains.
Somnath Temple (Gujarat)
The legendary temple believed to have been built by the moon God. The treasures of the temple was ransacked by Mahmud Ghazni seven times. It was also destroyed by Allauddin Khilji and Aurangzeb, and every time it was rebuilt.
Badrinath (Uttaranchal)
Shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the four dhams or sacred places of pilgrimage for Hindus.
Vaishnodevi, Jammu
The cave shrine is in the Trikuta mountains is one of the most important pilgrimage cetres for Hindus. Devotees trek 14 kms to worship at the rock formations that represent the divine aspects of goddesses Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Salim Chisti's Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri
UP Built in 1572 after Sheikh Salim Chisti, a sufi saint's death. Chisti had his hermitage here. The tomb is a place of pilgrimage venerated by both Hindus and Muslims.
Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
An important centre of pilgrimage for followers of Jainism. Built of pure white marble. Known for the intricate carving with so such details, effects of light and airy positioning. There are two shrines; Adinath Temple built in 1031 , dedicated to the second Tirthankara.
Sun Temple, Modhera (Gujarat)
Built in AD 1026 by King Bhimdev I of Solanki dynasty. It is situated 104 kms from Ahmedabad. Dedicated to Sun God and is known for its architectural grandeur.
Nalanda (Bihar)
A celebrated seat of learning during the Gupta period (7th C.), where thousands received education on the Mahayanadoctrine of Buddhism. Hieun Tsang, the famous Chinese traveller, also studied here.
Dakshineshwar Temple, Calcutta (West Bengal)
Built in 1855 by a widow - devoutee, Rani Rashmoni. Famous for its Kali temple.
Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra)
Rock-cut caves set deep in the Sahyadri hills near Aurangabad. Known for the images of royal life, the lives of humble people, depiction of the Buddhist Jataka tales, sculpture and archtectural designs, It has a large relief depicting the death of the Buddha - lying on a bed.
Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra)
Situated 9 kms away from Bombay on an island. Believed to be built by Pulakesin II of the Chalukya kingdom in AD 634, is renowned for their exquisite carvings depicting the myths of Shiva. |
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